
Gass ft t 



Book- 



V /. / c^ 



""b'O 



PRACTICAL VIEW r---. , 

OF THE 

PREVAILING RELIGIOUS SYSTEM 

OP 

PROFESSED CHRISTIANS, 

IN THE HIGHER AND MIDDLE CLASSES IN THIS COUNTRY, 
CONTRASTED WITH 

REAL CHRISTIANITY. 



BY Wi WIIiBERFORCE, ESQ. 



AN INTRODUCTORY ESSAY, 



REV. DANIEL WILSON, A. M. 

Late Vicar of Islington, now Bishop of Calcutta, 



Search the Scriptures !— John, v. 39. 

How charming is DIVINE PHILOSOPHY ! 
Not harsh and crabbed, as dull Fools suppose, 
But musical as is Apollo's lute, 
And a perpetual feast of nectar'd sweets, 
Where no crude surfeit reigns. MILTON, 



KEY AND BIDDLE. 



1835. 



• /535 



40442S 
'30 



G. & C. Merriam, Printers, 
Springjield, Mai9, 









CONTENTS. 



Introduction. — Author's Apology, Design of the work. 



Page. 
71 



CHAPTER I. 



iNADECtUATE- CONCEPTIONS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF 
CHRISTIANITY. 

The popular notions coneerning the importance of Christianity 
, extremely inadequate, . . . . ,75 

Religious ignorance criminal, . . . . .78 

Unreasonable to expect to become proficients in Christianity 

without inquiry and pains, . . . . .79 

Scripture representations of the importance of Christianity, . 80 
The maxim, that it is of no importance what a man believes, 

exposed, . . . . • . .82 

Also the maxim that sincerity is all in all, , . . i&. 

True sincerity, what included in it, . . , .83 

Concluding reflections, . . . . . .84 



CHAPTER H. 



CORRUPTION OF HUMAN NATURE. 

Sect. I. — Inadequate conceptions of the Corruption of 
Human JYature, 

Popular notions concerning human corruption, . . 84 

The different lessons on this subject which Christianity teaches, 
proved by the contrast between what we might expect from 
man, and what we find him practise, . . . ib. 

First, in the most polished nations of antiquity, . . 86 

Next, in the inhabitants of the New World on its first discovery, 88 
Next, in the general state of the Christian world, . , 88 

Lastly, even among true Christians, . , . .90 

The argument summed up and enforced, , , .91 

The Scripture representation of human corruption, . . 93 

Sect. IL— Evil Spirit.— JVatural State of Man. 

Existence and agency of the Evil Spirit, though plainly taught 
in Scripture, generally exploded, . . . ,94 



IV CONTENTS. 

Page. 
Nothing unreasonable in this doctrine, . . .94 

Scripture representations of the Supreme Being calculated to 
inspire awe, ....... 95 

The same awful impressions excited by the divine threatenings 
and punishments recorded in Scripture, and by the moral 
order of the world, . . . . . ,96 

Christianity breaks in, . . • . • .97 

Practical importance and uses of the doctrine of human cor- 
ruption, ....... 98 

Practical advice in relation to this subject, . • • ib. 

Sect. III. — Corruption of Human JVature, — Objection. 

The objection, that our corruption and weakness being natural 

to us, will be excused or allowed for, stated and considered, 99 
The objection, how best treated, . , . .100 

Fallacy of this objection proved by Scripture, . .101 

Danger of admitting the above objection, . • . 102 

Humility becomes man, • . . . , ib. 

Folly of busying ourselves with what is above our comprehen- 
sion, and neglecting what is plain and practical, . .103 



CHAPTER III. 

CHIEF DEFECTS OF THE RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF THE BULK 
OF PROFESSED CHRISTIANS, IN WHAT REGARDS OUR LORD 
JESUS CHRIST, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WITH A DISSER- 
TATION CONCERNING THE USE OF THE PASSIONS IN 
RELIGION. 

Sect, I. — Inadequate Conceptions concerning our Saviour 
and the Holy Spirit, 

Leading doctrines concerning Christ and the Holy Spirit, as 

stated in Scripture, . . . . . .104 

Inadequate conceptions in the above respects charged on the 

bulk of professed Christians, and enforced, , . 105 

Great ingratitude hereby evinced, . , . .108 

Inadequate notions concerning the Holy Spirit, . . ib. 

Language of one who objects against the religious affections 

towards our Saviour, . . . • .109 

And against the Holy Spirit's operations, . . . ib. 

Reply to the above ; unreasonableness of arguing from the 

abuse of a thing against its use, . • . .110 

Religious vulgarity, not to be too much disgusted by it, . 112 

Sect. II. — On the admission of the Passions into Religion, 

The opinion, that the affections are misplaced in religion, dis- 
cussed and refuted, . . . . . .113 



CONTENTS. 



Page. 
114 
ib, 
115 
117 
118 



By reason of the thing, ..... 

By the nature of man, / . ... 

By the authority of the Scriptures and of Scripture characters, 
True test and measure of the religious affections, 
Religious affections, different according to natural temper. 
The affections not merely allowable in Religion, but highly 

necessary, proved by analogy, . , . .119 

Christ the just object of our warm affections, . , 122 

The objection, that we are not susceptible of affections towards 

an invisible being, discussed, . . . * ih. 

Close contact between subject and object, necessary to produce 
affection, . , . . . . .124 

And sufficient to produce affection without sight, . .125 

This explains why public misfortunes affect us less than pri- 
vate or personal, . . . . . .126 

Means of strengthening our affections towards any object, . 127 
Special grounds for the affections towards our Saviour, . ib. 

Divine help promised for producing religious affections, . 128 

Unreasonable conduct of objectors in this instance, . .129 

Appeal to facts, in proof of the reality of the religious affec- 
tions. — The martyrs of our own church, and the apostles, ib. 

Sect. III. — Inadequate Conceptions concerning the Holy 
SpiriVs Operations. 

Scripture doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit's operations, 130 

Sect. IV. — JMistaken conceptions entertained by J^ominal 
Christians of the terms of acceptance with God, 

Inference afforded by the inadequate conceptions already noted, 
that mistaken conceptions commonly entertained of the means 
of a sinner's acceptance with God, . . . .132 

Different degrees of error, ..... 133 

Nature and proofs of this error, . . . .134 

Their fundamental misconception of the scheme and essential 
principle of the Gospel, . . . . , ib. 

Practical consequences and confirmation of the above miscon- 
ception, ....... J35 

Condemnation of those who abuse the doctrine of grace, , 137 

Believing in Christ, what really implied in it, . .138 

Answer to objection, that we insist on metaphysical niceties, ib. 
The atonement and grace of Christ further pressed, as the sub- 
jects of our habitual regard, . . , .139 
Advantage justly taken by the Socinian, of the above defects, ib^ 
Practical application and address, . , , .141 

X* 



VI CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER IV. 

ON THE PREVAILING INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS CONCERN- 
ING THE NATURE AND THE STRICTNESS OF PRACTICAL 
CHRISTIANITY. 

Sect. I. 

Page. 
Inadequate conceptions of the practical strictness required by 

Christianity, generally prevalent, . , , ,144 

Strong presumption against their notions, . ^ , 145 

Practical strictness of Christianity, as stated in Scripture, . 147 
Essential practical characteristic of true Christians, . .148 

Excellence of this principle, . . . . , ib. 

The principle further opened, and shown to include the love of 
God, . . . . . . . .149 

The above principle of general application proved by the gene- 
ral terms of Scripture precepts, . . . ,150 
Because resulting from relations common to all Christians, . 151 
Proof from the strong practical precepts of Scripture, . 152 
From God's requiring the heart, . . . .153 

From the glory of God being prescribed to us as our great ob- 
ject, and from the criminality of idolatry, . . , ib. 
Extreme importance of the above considerations, . .154 

Sect. II. 

Notions of practical Christianity generally prevalent, . 155 

They allow to religion only a partial jurisdiction, . .156 

Mischievous consequences of the above error, . .157 

The preceding statement confirmed by an appeal to various 

classes of nominal Christians, particularly of the higher order, 1 58 
To the idle and dissipated, . . . , , ib. 

To the votaries of sensual pleasure, . . , .159 

To the votaries of pomp and parade, . . * .160 

To the votaries of wealth and ambition, . . . 161 

To other classes, . • . . . .162 

Conclusion from the precedmg review, and general fault in 
principle of all the above classes, that of transferring the heart 
from God to some other master, . , . .163 

Effects of the fundamental error above-mentioned, on our judg- 
ments and practice in the case of others, . . . 164 
Further effects ; religion degraded into a set of statutes, and 

quibbled away accordingly, , . . , .165 

Another effect — Religion placed in external actions, rather 
than habits of mind, . . . . .167 

yet the internal principle all in all, . . . . ib. 

As an evil resulting from the last-mentioned error, Christian 

dispositions are not cultivated, . . . .168 

Instances of the preceding position ; the generality forget that 
the Christian's life is a life of faith, and the true Christian's 
character in this respect, . • • . .169 



CONTENTS. Vii 

Another distinction between nominal and real Christians, 
grounded on their different tastes and relish for religious sub- 
jects, ....... 171 

Proof drawn from the different manner of their employing the 
Sunday, and hints on that head, . . . .171 

Other internal defects ; particularly in meekness and humility, 174 



Sect. III. — On the Desire of Human Estimation and Jip- 
plause-^The generally prevailing Opinions contrasted with 
those of the true Christian^ 

Universality of the desire of human estimation, . .175 

Common eulogium of this passion, both as to its nature and 
effects, . .... . , 176 

The above vindication questioned, even by the pagan moralists, 178 
Essentially defective and vicious nature of this passion, stated 
and explained in Scripture, . . . . .179 

The world's commendations naturally misplaced, , . 180 

Yet Christians taught in Scripture to cultivate with moderation 

the good opinion of the world, as an instrument of usefulness, ih. 
But points out a higher object of our ambition, . . 181 

The inordinate love of human estimation generally prevalent 
and the natural result, . . . . .182 

Proofs from various considerations j from the House of Com- 
mons, ....... 183 

From duelling, . . . . . .184 

Duelling, wherein its essential guilt consists, . , , ih. 

A peculiarity in respect of this vice, . . .185 

Commonly supposed value of the inordinate love of human es- 
timation, questioned and disproved, . . . ih. 
Reasonings of Chrisian moralists on this head often bear few 
traces of Christian morality, . . . . 186 

Conduct of the true Christian, in what regards the love of hu- 
man estimation, . . . . . .187 

The most effectual method of moderating this love, . . 191 

The true Christian guards against it on small no less than on 

great occasions ; in religion, no less than elsewhere, . 193 

Parting counsel to those who wish to bring this passion under 
due regulation ; particularly to cultivate love and humility, 194 



Sect. IV. — The generally 'prevailing Error of substituting 
Amiable Tempers and Usejid Lives in the place of Re- 
ligion^ stated and confuted ; with Hints to real Christians. 

Amiable tempers and useful lives, their merit commonly exag- 
gerated, . . , . . . .197 
Stated to be the sum of religion, in substance, if i ot in name, 198 
Tiie distinction between morality and religion f I. c>l, . . ih* 



Vlll CONTENTS. 

The worth of amiable tempers, as estimated by the standard of 

unassisted reason, commonly overrated, » . ,199 

Many fiilse pretenders to them, .... ib. 

Essentially defective nature^ of amiable tempers when not 
grounded in religion, ..... 200 

Their precarious and short duration, .... ib. 

Worth of useful lives, when estimated by the standard of unas- 
sisted reason, overrated, . . . . .201 

The particular good of them more than countervailed by the 
general evil, ... ... 202 

Worth of amiable tempeis and useful lives, when not grounded 
in religion, proved to be greatly overrated, if estimated on 
Christian principles, . . . . , ib. 

Their nature essentially corrupt, .... 204 

The true Christian really the most amiable and useful character, 205 
Admonitions to true Christians in the above respects, . 206 

To the naturally sweet-tempered and active, • . ib. 

To the naturally rough and austere, .... 207 

Amiable tempers and useful lives, their just praise, . , 209 

Apt to be deceived by them in our own case, . .211 

Danger to true Christians from mixing too much in worldly 
business, . . . . . . , ib. 

Advice to thos*^ who suspect this to be their case, , . ib» 

Exquisite sensibility, its flimsy texture ; School of Rousseau 
and Sterne, . . . . , . '215 

Sterne reprobated for indecency, .... ib. 

Sect. V. — Some other Grand Defects in the Practical 
System of the Bulk of JVominal Christians, 

Inadequate conceptions generally prevalent of the guilt and evil 
of sin, ...... 

Proofs from our common language, 

Different standard in the word of God, 

Inadequate fear of God generally prevalent, . 

Sin, its baneful nature. 

The future punishment of the wicked represented in Scripture 
as resulting from established relations, 

State of the world at the time of the Deluge, . 

Inadequate sense of the difficulty of getting lo heaven, 

And of the necessity of acquiring a peculiar character, in orde 
to fit us for it, . . . . • 

True Christian's efforts in this great work. 

The Christian's life, represented under the character of a jour- 
ney through a strange country, . » 

The bulk of nominal Christians defective in the love of God, 

The stage tried by this test, .... 

Practical excellence of this quality, 

Our referring the stage to this test justified by political analogy, 227 

Bulk of nominal Christians defective in love of their fellow, 
creatures, ...••• 

True marks of love of our neighbor, 

The stage tried by reference to this test. 



216 
217 
218 
ib. 
219 

ib. 
220 
221 

ib, 
223 

ib, 
224 

ib. 
225 



228 
229 
231 



CONTENTS. iX 



Sect. VI. — Grand Defect. — JYegiect of the peculiar Dcc' 
trines of Christianity. 

Page, 
Grand defect in the practical system of nominal ChriBtians — 
their neglect of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity ; and 
practical evils resulting therefrom, in the case of persons de- 
sirous of repentance and reformation, . . . 233 
Advice of modern religionists to persons of this description, . 235 
Advice given to them by the Holy Scriptures, and by the 

Church of England, . . , . . ib. 

Extreme importance of this point — nature of true holiness, and 
Christian method of obtaining it, .... 236 

Practical use made by the true Christian of the peculiar doc- 
trines of Christianity, ..... 237 

The same use of them made in the Scriptures, . , 238 

Use of the peculiar doctrines of Christianity, in enforcing its 
importance, ....... z6. 

In enforcing an unconditional surrender of ourselves to God, . 239 
In enforcing the guilt of sin, and the dread of its punishment, . ih. 
In promoting the love of God, .... 240 

In promoting the love of our fellow-creatures, . . .241 

In promoting humility and meekness, . . . . ib. 

In promoting a spirit of moderation in earthly pursuits, and 
cheerfulness in suffering, . . . . • 244 

In promoting courage, confidence in danger, andheavenly-mind- 
edness, . . . . . , , ib. 

Grand distinction between nominal and real Christians, the 
place practically assigned by them to the peculiar doctrines 
of Christianity, . . . . • . 245 



CHAPTER V. 

ON THE EXCELLENCE OF CHRISTIANITY IN CERTAIN IM- 
PORTANT PARTICULARS. ARGUMENT WHICH RESULTS 
THENCE IN PROOF OF ITS DIVINE ORIGIN. 

Consistency between the leading doctrines, and practical pre- 
cepts, of Christianity, ..... 247 
Between the leading doctrines of Christianity among each other, 248 
Between the practical precepts of C hristianity among each other, ib. 
Higher value set by Christianity, on moral, than on intellectual 

attainments, ..... 

Intrinsic excellence of the practical precepts of Christianity, 252 
Strong evidence of the truth of Christianity, afforded by the 
number and variety of the kinds of evidence by which its di- 
vine origin is proved, , , , , . ib. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VL 

BRIEF INQUIRY INTO THE PRESENT STATE OE CHRISTIAN- 
ITY IN THIS COUNTRY, WITH SOME OF THE CAUSES 
WHICH HAVE LED TO ITS CRITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES. 
ITS IMPORTANCE TO US AS A POLITICAL COMMUNITY, 
AND PRACTICAL HINTS FOR WHICH THE FOREGOING 
CONSIDERATIONS GIVE OCCASION. 

Page, 

Tendency of religion, and especially of Christianity, to promote 

the well-being of political communities, . . . 254 

A general standard or tone of moral practice, in every community, 255 
Christianity has raised this general standard or tone, . ih. 

Effects on religion, of adversity and prosperity respectively, . 256 
Natural presumption concerning the present state of religion 

among us, afforded by the preceding consideration, . 258 

Causes from which the peculiarities of Christianity slide- into 
disuse, ....... 259 

Still farther decline to be expected, . . . . ib. 

The above presumptive statements justified by facts, , , 260 

One cause assigned which has principally operated in reducing 

Christianity among us to a mere system of ethics, . . 261 

Christianity, such as it is, stated in the present work, the re- 
ligion of the pillars of our churches, . . . ib. 
Its corruption accelerated by the civil commotions of the last 
century, ....... 262 

The peculiar doctrines of Christianity, at length almost left out 
of the system : this position confirmed by an appeal to our 
best novels, ....... 264 

The literati of our days, sceptically disposed, . . . 265 

Consequences to be expected, ..... 266 

The objection, that the author's system so strict, that if it were 

to pievail, the world could not go on, stated and refuted, . ib, 
Happy effects to us as a political community, from the preva- 
lence of vital Christianity, ..... 269 

The position, that Christianity is hostile to patriotism, opposed, 270 
Superior nature and extent of true Christian benevolence, . ib, 
Christianity peculiarly adapted to promote the well-being of 

political communities, from its hostility to selfishness, . 271 

Political expedients for preventing the mischievous effects of 
selfishness on civil communities, and superior efficacy of 
Christianity in this respect, . . . . . 272 

Means by which Christianity produces the above effect, . ib. 

Vital Christianity can alone produce them, . . . 275 

In the present circumstances of this country, we must either 

have vital Christianity, or we shall have none at all, . ib. 

Appeal to experience, in confirmation of the above position, . 276 
Political good effects from the revival of vital Christianity 

among u^, and bad ones from its further decline, . . 277 

A state of great civilization, no security against great moral 
corruption, ...,.*. 278 



CONTENTS. XI 

Fage. 
Practical hints for the conduct of men in power, suggested by 

the above statements, . . . . . 279 

No time for half measures. — A decided line of conduct called for, 280 
Duty enforced on us of checking open profaneness, and, above 

all, of giving religious insirucLJon to the rising generation, 281 
Evangelical Christianity alone likely to produce any real 

amendment^ ..... , , ib. 

The above remark pressed on the bishops, the clergy, and our 

universities, ..... . . 282 

Apology for having treated of religion so much with a view to 

its political effects, ...... 283 



CHAPTER VII. 

PRACTICAL HINTS TO VARIOUS DESCRIPTIONS OF PERSONS. 

Sect. I. 

The common sort of Christianity does not deserve the name, 283 
Some considerations preparatory to self-examination ; one [of 

them peculiarly awful, . . • ... 284 

Causes of self-deception suggested, .... 285 

One cause of self-deception, the mistaking our merely out- 
growing or changing our vices, for forsaking ail sin j appeal 
to life, . . . . . . .286 

Charge of being uncharitable repelled, and what really charity 
and uncharitableness, ..... 288 

Women naturally more disposed to religion than men • domes- 
tic advantages therefrom, . . . . . i6. 

Innocent young people, the term how much abused, . . 290 

The reformation held sufficient by the world, how much it falls 

short of true Christiar, regeneration, . . .291 

Practical hints to such as having hitherto been careless and ir- 
religious ; wish to become true Christians, . , , 292 
Excellent nature and practical benefits of humiUty, . . 294 
Love enforced, . . . . . . . 295 

Base and mercenary nature of the religion of the bulk of nom- 
inal Christians, and opposite character of true Christianity, 296 
The charge repelled, that we render Christianity a gloomy ser- 
vice, . . . . . . . .297 

Multiplied sources of pleasure to true Christians, ♦ , 299 

Superior situation of true Christians over men of the world in 

point of comfort, especially in our days, . , . 300 

Sect. II. — Jldmce to some who profess their full assent to the 
fundamental Doctrines of the Gospel. 

A loose way of holding the true doctrines of Christianity, too 

generally prevalent in our relaxed days, . . . 302 

Its danger and mischievous effects, .... 304 

Watchfulness and diligence enforced ; and the study of the 
lives of eminent Christians recommended, . . , ib. 



Xll CONTENTS. 

Sect. III. — Brief Observations addressed to Sceptics and 
Unitarians, 

Page. 

Presumption in favor of the truth of Christianity, from the 
greatest and wisest men having embraced it, . . 305 

Infidelity gradually growing on young men as they advance in 
years, ... .... 306 

The above natural history of scepticism confirmed by experi- 
ence, and by the written lives of sceptics, . . , 307 

Infidelity, a disease of the heart rather than of the understand^ 
ing, ........ 308 

Unitarianism often resorted to, from a wish to escape from the 
strictness of Christianity, ..... 309 

Deists and Unitarians have possessed a great advantage in con- 
tending with the orthodox Christian, from being the assail- 
ants ; practical hint which this suggests, . . .310 

Half unbelievers : their system peculiarly irrational and crim- 
inal, , . . . . . . ,311 

Increasing evidence of the truth of Christianity, . .312 

Unbelievers must stand the issue, .... ib. 

Sect. IY. — *Bdvice suggested by the state of the times to 
true Christians. 

Real Christians peculiarly bound to exert themselves in the 
present times, . . . . . .313 

Bound in particular to be earnest in prayer for their country, 314 

Avowal of the Author, That to the decline of Religion, he chiefly 
ascribes our J^ational misfortunes , and that his best hopes are 
grounded on the persuasion, that we have among us many real 
Christians, . . . . . . .315 

Motives which have powerfully prompted the author to the 
prosecution of the present work, . • • .316 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 



Few undertakings can be much more difficult than to write 
any thing in the way of introduction to the following work. 
It requires no introduction. It is a matter of history. It has 
been read and admired by one generation, is already in the 
hands of a second, and will soon pass down to a third. It is 
this last circumstance, indeed, which may perhaps apolo- 
gise for an attempt, which must otherwise be exposed to 
the charge of rashness. The young have a right to ask 
what were the circumstances of the first publication of such 
an important volume, what the impression which it left on 
the minds of men, what its connection with, the general in- 
terests of religion, what its place in the moral history of our 
times. To such inquiries, we shall endeavor, in the pre- 
sent Essay, to furnish a reply. We presume not to do more 
than to assist the reader who shall, for the first time, take 
up the work, in forming some judgment upon its merits. 
Our main object will be to illustrate that great revival of 
the influence of real Christianity among us, which it was 
the Author's design to promote, and which his work was, 
in fact, one very considerable means of deepening and ex- 
tending. That eminent and reverend person, now retired 
from public life, will, we trust, forgive us, if, in the dis- 
charge of a duty to the paramount interests of religion 
generally, we are led to speak with entire freedom of his 
book, and in a way which, however we may be upon our 
guard, will of necessity betray us into details, which our 
respect for his delicacy of feeling would otherwise compel 
us to restrain. A retired statesman, after a long life spent 
in the eye of his country — ^his name connected with almost 
2 



XIV INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

every great question which has agitated the church or state — 
can scarcely be permitted to claim the privileges of private 
writers : his work belongs, with his other labors, to the 
Nation to which he has dedicated it, and becomes a portion 
of the annals of the times. 

We shall, first, make such remarks as may give the reader 
what we consider a just conception of the merits of the 
work itself. This will lead us to describe the reception 
which it met with on its first publication. Its connection 
with the revival of pure Christianity in our country, will 
follow. We shall then offer a few observations on the 
subsequent progress of that revival. And, in the last place? 
suggest some thoughts on the manner in which it may be 
still further promoted. 

I. We shall give the reader a just conception of the mer- 
its of the work itself. 

The Practical View of the prevailing religious system of 
professed Christians^ in the higher and middle classes in this 
country^ contrasted with real Christianity^ was first publish- 
ed in the spring of the year 1797. The design of the Au- 
thor was to rouse the nation, and especially the higher or- 
ders, to a just view of the subject of real Christianity. It 
is a manly, and yet conciliatory exposure of the false prin- 
ciples and defective practice of professed Christians, accom- 
panied by a powerful exhibition of what true religion is, as 
it is delineated in the Bible, and displayed in the spirit and 
temper of sincere Christians. It is a contrast between 
Christianity lowered, misapprehended, obscured, falsified, 
by the prevailing doctrine and morals of the day, and Chris- 
tianity as it came from heaven, as it remains in all its fresh- 
ness in the Sacred Records, as it is loved and obeyed by 
those in every age, who, like the primitive Christians, or 
our Reformers of ihe sixteenth century, come out from the 
world, and live unto God by the faith of a crucified Sa- 
viour. It is a book of first principles, displaying the Chris- 
ian religion as it ought to exist in the case of every Chris- 



iNTRODUCtORY ESSAY. XV 

lian, and then contrasting this with the low and defective 
standard of religion prevaihng around us. 

Few subjects could be more happily chosen : because, 
without entering into controversy, or awakening the hostili- 
ty of any class of readers, it argues on the admitted prin- 
ciples common to Christians generally, and especially to 
members of our National Church ; and shows, beyond all 
reasonable doubt, the wide interval which had been interpos- 
ed between our principles and our practice — our doctrine and 
our belief — our Bibles and ourselves. 

The plan was, in a great measure, new. By the writings, 
indeed, of Jones, of Nayland, and Horsley, a forrnidable in- 
road had been made on various prevailing heresies and errors. 
Lyttleton, West, and Paley, had admirably illustrated the 
Evidences of Christianity. Watson, by his able Apologies, 
had followed in the same course. The more practical writ- 
ings of Law, Doddridge, Porteus, and Home, had made a 
considerable impression. Something still more pointed and 
powerful had been effected by the vivid expostulations of the 
poetry of Cowper. But no writer had appeared, especially 
amongst laymen, to address the nation generally on the plain 
fundamental and vital truths of our religion, and to confront 
these truths boldly, and yet affectionately, with the fashion- 
able notions which passed for Christianity. No writer had 
appeared with mildness and authority, with a ripe understand- 
ing of his subject, and a faculty of touching the tenderest 
springs of the heart, to recal men to the real nature of Chris- 
tianity itself. 

The style and spirit in which the work was executed, were 
almost as new as the subject. Nothing can easily surpass 
the winning, affectionate, skilful manner of the address. 
Too many religious works have to overcome obstacles on 
the score of obscure, technical language, a style inelegant 
and heavy, a phraseology uncouth in the ears of the edu- 
cated and refined. Others are open to the charge of an ex- 
cessive use of certain religious terms, rendered trivial and 
even repulsive by repetition. Such theological treatises, 



XVI INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

of whatever merit in other respects, have to work their 
way up to the notice of the well educated and fastidious, 
through the mists of prejudice. Half a century may pass 
before they are known. But the volume before us, with a 
large measure of all the purity of style of which our lan- 
guage is susceptible, unites a force of argument, and a 
dignity derived from truth, which few treatises have equal- 
led. The book opens its own w^ay, as an effort of pure 
composition, as well as an effusion of natural eloquence. 
It demands and obtains, because it deserves, an instant hear- 
ing. 

The attractive character of the work is universally allow- 
ed. Love is stamped on every page. It is not a dry dis- 
putation, a systematic treatise, a polemical discussion. It 
is a masterly, benevolent, tender appeal to the heart and 
conscience, on the most important of all subjects. It has 
the charm of a free, unwritten address — the same richness, 
and ease, and flow, and delicacy towards the feelings of 
others, which mark such addresses ; and yet all the solidity 
and clearness peculiar to a well-studied, elaborate dissertation. 
It seems to be the spontaneous produce of a mind thorough- 
ly stored with its materials, accustomed to speak before a 
refined and yet popular audience, and capable, from long 
experience, of expressing, with ease and propriety, what it 
has previously meditated. In short, the book must have 
been dictated, not written. It is nothing more nor less 
than a series of speeches in Parliament, in which, from brief 
annotations and hints of topics, the statesman urges upon the 
legislature his well-weighed and important cause.* 

Accordingly, there is nothing more remarkable in the style 
and manner of the work, than the skill in debate, the par- 
liamentary tact, if we may so speak, which is apparent 
throughout. You discern in it every where the marked 
effects of the Author's public life. You cannot read three 
pages without feeling that the writer is in the midst of 



* It was in this way, in fact, that the book was chiefly composed. 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XVll 

your very thoughls and feelings — all is business— all is a 
vivid delineation of actual life— all is directly aimed at the 
heart. It is a persuasive address to his fellow-statesmen 
and countrymen, in which he kindles with his great topics, 
gains upon your judgment and heart as he proceeds, and 
leaves you at last under the impressions produced by a sin- 
cere and affecting orator, rather than of a writer or a con- 
troversialist. You see in it the hand of a master, used to 
state the objections of an opponent, not only fairly, but in 
the very words that such an opponent would employ ; you 
see the skill of a legislator, compelled to be on the watch, 
aware that any the least slip would be exposed, and trained 
to a popular, commanding, and yet measured way of stat-^ 
ing things. No adversary is outraged ; no personal feelings 
are wounded ; no real difficulties extenuated or dended : 
but all is open, and manly, and conciliatory. Almost every 
imaginable concession is made on each topic. The objec- 
tions are stated at such length, and with so much justice, 
that you tremble as you are reading them, lest a satisfactory 
answer should not be given ; and y^t, after repeated ad- 
missions, limitations, cautions, apologies, every one of 
them most apparently kind and sincere, the blow is at last 
struck so hard, and with so much truth of aim, as to fall 
with irresistible force. We are not aware that we ever 
read any book in which every thing was so fairly, and, at 
the same time, so fully stated. No reader has to complain 
of any material misrepresentation. The whole habit of the 
Author's public life seems to have been brought to bear in 
this benevolent and faithful appeal to his country. Sel- 
dom, indeed, has such a talent for debate, and such an ac- 
curate knowledge of the human heart, been united with 
such a delicate and friendly attention to the feelings of 
others, and such a force of persuasion ^nd authority of 
truth. 

There is, further, a warmth in the style of the work which 
adds to its attractions. It bears all the marks of having 
been composed after years of deliberate preparation ; indeed, 
2* 



XVlll INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

as to the main topics, and a thorough faculty of discussion, 
acquired in the best school of eloquence, in just that sort of 
pressure and hurry from the demands of public duties, which 
lend it a naturalness, and warmth, and generous urgency, 
which are best adapted to gain its end. It is a book which 
was poured out, if we may so speak, between two sessions of 
Parliament.* It is ihe lively and urgent expose of his 
views of Christianity, made by a statesman on a sudden im- 
pulse, to the vast influential body of legislators and men of 
the world amongst whom he was acting his part, and whom 
he had neither the opportunity nor the leisure of acquainting, 
by any other means, with the true character of those re- 
ligious principles by which he wished to govern all his own 
conduct, and to which he would reduce the wandering and 
unsettled notions of those with whom he habitually con- 
versed. 

Accordingly, the reasonings of the book are precisely 
adapted to the persons whom the Author wished to persuade. 
They are not abstract, scholastic, intricate ; but plain, tan- 
gible, popular. They are not of that highest class of intel- 
lectual discussions, which meet the very first order of minds, 
but are lost to all others — the world wanted not such argu- 
ments, — but they are reasonings of that gentle, intelligible 
class, w^hich suit the far larger number of persons both in 
the senate and in the community generally ; reasonings, 
which, without disappointing the most exalted intellect, 
meet and convince the candid, the practical, the thoughtful, 
the well-disposed ; in short, the whole mass of considerate, 
and impressible, and amiable readers in the higher and middle 
orders of society. 

And yet the courage apparent in this work is far from 
being inconsiderable. The manner is mild, indeed ; but the 
undertaking is bold and hazardous. The author, in attempt- 
ing it, risked every thing dear to a public man and a politi- 



* Here again we state, as we believe, very near''" the exact matter 
of fact. 



iNTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XIX 

cian as such — consideration, weight, ambition, reputation. 
He exposed himself to all the misapprehension and hostility 
which attach to so noble an avowal of the humiliating doc- 
trines of vital Christianity in a corrupt age. But he writes 
as one who did this deliberately and advisedly. He 
shrinks not from any consequences which may follow. The 
unaffected fortitude and courage which real religion inspires, 
a consideration of its infinite moment to the nation and to 
each individual, a firm persuasion of the truth of the state- 
ments which he made, and an unshaken reliance on the 
blessing of God to accompany his vindication of it, all mani- 
festly unite to sustain his mind, and carry him with calmness 
and dignity through the effort. 

We do not dwell for a moment on the only charge ever 
alleged against the execution of the work, that the style 
is sometimes difflise and languid, and even tedious. Cer- 
tainly it is not in the highest order of that close, energetic, 
forcible reasoning, which marked the first apologies for 
Christianity, and the writings of some of the Reformers. 
No work can embrace, in an equal degree, opposite ex- 
cellences. But the deductions, on this account, are so 
small, while most of the various beauties compatible with 
the suavity and benevolence of an affectionate heart, are 
so copiously displayed, that the result may be safely left to 
every candid reader. The work, after all, was perhaps 
better adapted, in its present state, to the age in which it 
was written, than if its faults had leaned on the side of 
roughness, and severity, and stricter reasoning. As the 
writings of Cyprian, Augustine, Wickliffe, Luther, were 
adapted for the ages for which they labored, so was this 
volume well fitted for a reading, educated, polished period, 
for a free Protestant country, for a people admitUng gene- 
rally all the truths contended for, though they had declined 
from the right love and practice of them ; for a nation 
where equal laws, and the spirit of toleration, admitted all 
the full effects of persuasion to be produced on public 
opinion. 



XX INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

But, to pass from the style of the work to the subject 
matter of it, it is of more importance, in estimating its mer- 
its, to observe, that it is a whole — a complete and ade^ 
quate exposition of Christianity. Not that it is a body of 
divinity, or a digest of controversies ; but it fairly represents 
the entire scheme of Christianity, in its main doctrine's, pre- 
cepts, spirit, tendency, and character. The Author has a 
fine conception of the real scope of the Christian religion, 
and he gives a full and accurate delineation of it. He 
stands upon the plain, old scriptural basis of broad and 
acknowledged truth. There are no niceties, no novel or 
doubtful tenets, no deductions to be made from its general 
excellence, on account of the omission of material truths, 
or the vindication of subordinate errors. Many books on 
the subject of religion are good on a few points, but con- 
fessedly defective or erroneous on others. But this is not 
the case here. The Author goes through the whole com- 
pass of his extensive theme. He assigns to every thing its 
place. There is no excess, no overstatements, no enthu- 
siasm, on the one hand ; no concealment, no compromise of 
truth, on the other. The main scope of the book is kept 
steadily in view. The evangelical and practical topics are 
closely interwoven. The strong foundations of the Gospel 
are laid in the person, deity, and sacrifice of the Son of 
God, and the powerful agency of his Spirit ; and the fair 
and ample superstructure is reared in the holy tempers, and 
active, useful lives, which Christians are encouraged, and 
exhorted, and commanded to lead. 

Then every part of the work is carefully, and, as the old 
writers express it, painfully wrought out. The ease and 
grace of the style are not assumed as a cloak for inconsider- 
ation. All is the result of evident reflection. Even topics 
occasionally touched on, are abridgments of whatever can 
be best said on the several questions. The allusion to the 
origin of evil, for example, and the hints on self-examination, 
are as complete, in their way, as the discussion on the use 
of the passions in religion, and the exercise of love towards 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XXI 

an unseen object ; which last stands, as we think, almost 
unrivalled in English theology, and would alone entitle our 
senator to no mean place amongst the writers of his country. 
The excellence of the incidental matter may be also seen in 
the Author's brief, but pointed addresses, to various classes 
of readers — the scholar, the historian, the statesman, the 
philosopher, the moralist, the writer on evidences, the me- 
taphysician, are severally considered ; and the topics suitable 
to each are touched in an appropriate manner. Even the 
critical observations on authors, though evidently made in 
passing, are often just and striking. 

The originality of the work is another of its recommenda- 
tions. It is, like Lord Bacon's writings, " full of the seeds 
of things." The author does not follow, but lead, his age. 
All teems with life. You see an independent, unfettered 
mind, is at work ; a mind richly stored with knowledge, 
taking its own view of every subject, and illustrating it with 
new, and valuable, and sometimes unlooked-for matter. 
The Author is one who thinks for himself. He stamps his 
own features on his great subject. 

Lastly, the sincerity and devotional spirit which pervade 
the volume, increase its general effect. Every concession, 
every appeal to the heart, every remonstrance, bespeaks the 
Author sincere. Whilst the devotional spirit which breaks 
through perpetually, leads the reader to estimate the true 
end of religion, as he listens to its precepts, and to imbibe, 
not the temper of a partizan, but that genuine unaffected 
piety of heart before God, which becomes an accountable 
and sinful creature. Indeed, nothing but this sincerity of 
devotion could apparently have roused a man of such evi- 
dent susceptibility, and tenderness of natural character, to 
write with the firmness, the force of remonstrance, the fidel- 
ity to truth, which glow in his book.* The Author has 

*It is, to our mind, a striking proof of sincerity, that the two failings to 
which, from his station and natural cast of ciiaracter, such a Avriter 
might have been expected to be most indulgent, he treats, in fact, with 
the most unsparing severity, — the love of applause, and a reliance on 
amiable tempers, as a substitute for religion. 



XXn INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

most manifestly possessed himself of his subject, and his 
subject has possessed itself of him; and the result is, that 
one of the most benevolent and affectionate of human be- 
ings is intrepid and irresistible, as he ought to be, on so in- 
spiring a theme. This is, after all, the last finish to this re- 
markable volume. We may have been mistaken in our esti- 
mate of its literary merit. We may have been biassed by long 
habits of admiration, in judging of many of the various excel- 
lences which we ascribe to it. But no one can, for a moment, 
doubt the honesty and integrity of the Author. It is (he pro- 
duction of a most sincere, as well as enlightened Christian. 
You have his whole heart without disguise. He impresses 
on you only what he is most intimately persuaded of him- 
self. This carries you away, where nothing else would do 
it. You might yield a momentary applause to his talents ; 
you might admit the extent of his knowledge ; you might 
be silenced by his arguments ; you might admire his elo- 
quence ; you might love his amiableness and benevolence : 
but, at last, it is his sincerity, backed by all these other 
qualities, which gains your entire confidence, and ensures 
your permanent and fixed attention and regard. 

II. We now proceed to describe the reception which 
the work met with on its first publication. 

The success which it obtained, might, indeed, be sup- 
posed to be too well known to require much observation. 
But, after a lapse of thirty years, some details may not be 
superfluous. Never, perhaps, did any volume by a layman, 
on a religious subject, produce a deeper or more sudden 
effect. It came upon the whole world of statesmen, and 
literati, and divines, quite by surprise. The Author had 
been long known as a public man. His benevolent charac- 
ter had endeared him to the country. His perpetual activ- 
ity in parliament, and the just weight attached to his char- 
acter and talents, had placed him full in the view of the 
nation. He had been long known to be devout and con- 
scientious in private life ; but to what extent his religious 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XXHl 

principles went, few amongst the public men with whom 
he daily acted, cared to inform themselves. It was a thing 
quite unprecedented for a leading parliamentary speaker to 
publish any considerable work — much less a work on re- 
ligion. The moment it appeared, therefore* every one 
stood astonished. The rank in life, and generosity of the 
Author, naturally led him to place an early copy in the 
hands of his very extensive circle of acquaintance and 
friends. It was thus, at the same moment, read by all the 
leading persons of the nation. An electric shock could 
not be felt more vividly and instantaneously. Every one 
talked of it, every one was attracted by its eloquence, every 
one admitted the benevolence, and talents, and sincerity of 
the writer. It was acknowledged, that, whether good or 
bad on a few peculiar topics, such an important work had 
not appeared for a century. The great elevation of its 
views and principles, stamped upon it a noble singularity, 
which did not fail to strike the experienced observer. It was 
the Author's first publication. It derived, therefore, an addi- 
tional charm from the curiosity of his countrymen, as well as 
from its own intrinsic excellences. 

Opposition, indeed, arose against it, as the first admiration 
a little subsided. This was to be expected. No valua- 
able end could have been accomplished in a great and free 
country like this, if opposition had not called the work 
into further notice, and interested men most deeply in the 
subjects discussed in it. If it had been an unresisted 
remonstrance, it would soon have been a forgotten one. 
An edition or two would have carried it down to the gulf 
of oblivion. But opposition put it precisely in the position 
most of all to be desired for such a work. It made it 
more and more the subject of conversation, of argument, 
of direct and lively interest. It gave it additional circu- 
lation and currency. Men were surprised at what Chris- 
tianity was described to be ; they were offended at the pic- 
ture given of spiritual religion : they were dismayed at the 
representation of the distance to which modern Christianity 



i 



XXiV INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

had receded from its ancient limits : they knew not what to 
say of such an open and bold confession of those peculiari- 
ties of the Christian faith, which they had been accustom- 
ed to hear classed with sectarianism and folly. Nothing 
could be alleged against the writer. Pie was not an eccle- 
siastic. He was not a weak or harsh dogmatist. He was 
not ignorant. He could not be charged with want of be- 
nevolence and talent. He was confessedly one of the 
most able legislators of the day. He had not only been 
long in parliament, but had been mixed up with every great 
public question. He was the private friend of one of the 
greatest and most skilful prime ministers, according to ge- 
neral opinion — certainly one of the most popular — which 
this country ever saw ; and had long been a leading sup- 
porter of his measures in parliament.* He represented the 
most important county of England. He was not only not 
in office, but known to be independent, and above suspi- 
cion, in his political conduct. He had also been actively 
engaged as the distinguished leader in the great question of 
the abolition of the Slave Trade. His private morals, his 
liberality, his benevolence of character, his social talents, 
the combination of attractive qualities, which added a 
charm to his conversation, and gained almost every one 
whom he approached — all conspired to give the work a re- 
ception the most intensely eager and interesting — and all 
eonspired to stimulate the opposition which was made to 
many of his statements. The book was too true, too care- 
fully guarded in all its parts, too mild and affectionate, too 
scriptural, too forcible and alarming, to be overlooked or 
despised. Every one allowed that the Author had much to 
gay — that he deserved a hearing — ihat he was sincere — 
that in many things he was right — that he ought, in short, 
to be read ; and would, and must be, attended to. 

The consequence was, that few volumes on such a sub- 
ject, perhaps not one, ever had a more wide and rapid cir- 

* Mr. Pitt. 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XXV 

culation. Three or four large editions were exhausted in 
the first few months. Edition upon edition followed dur- 
ing the succeeding years. And so permanent has been the 
demand, that it has now arrived at the fifteenth impression. 
Translations have further been made into most of the Eu- 
ropean languages ;* and the re-prints in America have 
amounted, as we are informed, to twenty-five editions. 

The curiosity of the public, particularly of statesmen, and 
the higher orders of the clergy, was quickened by the at- 
tacks of those who were known to favor Socinian and Ja- 
cobin principles. The loyalty of the writer, and the sta- 
tion which he filled in parliament, pointed him out as an 
object of animadversion and satire. In the House of Com- 
mons sarcastic re^iarks v/ere made by one or two of the more 
violent partizans of opposition ; and various pamphlets were 
published, in which his principles of obedience to ai^hori- 
ty, and his orthodox tenets as a churchman, were equally 
condemned. In some cases, the daring language of Soci^ 
nian writers bordered on open blasphemy. To not one of 
these did he vouchsafe to reply. Such attacks led consider- 
ate men to read the work with greater avidity, and dispos- 
ed them to the belief, that he who was so clearly right in 
bis parliamentary conduct, and his political principles^ 
might not be very wrong in his estimate of the religion 
which he had so deeply studied, and so ably defended. 

An insidious and labored article, also, of a dangerous 
character, in one of the periodical reviews,| tended to in- 
crease the eagerness with which the orthodox and can- 
did among the higher orders received the work. They 
discerned, that the common cause of Christianity was, in 
some measure, involved in it. They read, with softened 
feelings, our senator's warm appeals on spiritual religion, 

* French, German, &c. Into the Spanish, a translation is now in 
hand. 

t The Monthly Review, which, for a long series of years, corrupted 
our religion and literature by the diligent admixture of Socinian p in- 
(?iples ; but which has lately, as we hear, fallen into far better hands, 

3 



XXVI INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

when they saw them united with so distinguished a regard 
to the rehgion of their country. 

It belongs to the history of the reception of this volume, 
to detail two notices of it, which contributed to its being 
favorably received by the churchmen and politicians of the 
time. 

In the British Critic,* a Review then widely circulated 
among the clergy, and which continued to lead in the first 
rank of periodical publications of that class, till a change in 
its general tone, and what, in fact, amounted to a departure 
from its own spirit and principles, alienated the confidence 
of the public, an article appeared, which warmly defended 
the general tendency and scope of the work. We give some 
extracts : — 

" In recommending to the public one of the most impres- 
sive ^ooks on the subject of religion which has appeared 
within our memory, we entirely agree with the Author on 
the necessity that exists for awakening many nomind be- 
lievers to a recollection of the most important doctrines of 
Christianity, and an active and heart-felt sense of religion." 

** We feel very strongly that an extra-official exhortation 
assisted by the credit of his station, the just and general 
confidence in the worth and sincerity of his character, the 
clearness of his intellect, and the force of his eloquence, 
will produce a more extensive, and on many minds a more 
powerful eflTect, than any instructions from the pulpit, or 
from the pen of a divine." 

" Towards this great work, the present publication is 
perhaps intended as a providential instrument ; and we 
should be deficient in the truest kind of patriotism, if we 
ne^^lected to afford it all the aid which our recommendation 
can bestow." 

" Of his book, the far greater part is sound and genuine 
Christianity ; and would as such be received, were not his 
readers more anxious to invent excuses for their own indif- 



* Vol. X. for the year 179^. 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XXV» 

ference, than to derive the proper advantage from a work of 
real piety." 

'* Every credit is due to the Author for his frank and open 
confession of his faith in a corrupt age. -His language is 
correct, elevated, and energetic ; his motives evidently pure, 
his sentiments of religion for the most part just, and his 
knowledge of the subject, masterly." 

These, it will be admitted, are high commendations ; but 
they yield in warmth to the expressions which occur in 
the prefatory pages of the volume, containing a half-yearly 
summary of literature. Under the head of Theology, it is 
there stated : — 

" We have no hesitation in giving the first place to Mr. 
Wilberforce. True it is, that he does, in a few pages, be- 
tray an adherence to a sect whose religion is usually over- 
tinctured by enthusiasm. Yet the tenets of that sect, as dis- 
tinguished from the true church of England, are no where 
prominent in the work ; while those of genuine Christian- 
ity glow in every page. Eloquent, animated, frequently 
sublime, how can it be read without a glow of piety and de- 
light by any thinking Christian ? It is a book to make an era 
in the history of religion ; and we should blush to dwell on 
petty objections." 

The subject of enthusiasm alluded to in the last extract, 
and in some other passages of the review not now produced, 
shall be noticed presently. In the mean time, it is impossible 
not to feel, that such an eulogium at its first appearance, from 
such a quarter, must have powerfully aided its circulation 
amongst the clergy. 

To statesmen and literary men, the volume was not less 
strongly recommended in the " Pursuits of Literature," a 
work whose author was never publicly acknowledged, but 
which has long been attributed, and it is supposed justly, to 
the pen of Mr. Matthias. It was a literary and political sa- 
tire, in English verse, published in parts, from the spring of 
1794, to about the middle of 1797. Copious notes were 
appended ; to which additions were made at each re-publi- 



XXVm INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

cation, till as late as the year 1803, perhaps later. The 
work is in general distinguished for sound principle, patriot- 
ism, talent ; and especially for acute, and somewhat severe 
remarks on all sorts of persons, and all sorts of writings, 
and almost all sorts of things. The style of the notes is 
clear, forcible, and eloquent. The learning, thickly sown 
throughout, is rich and pure. The work had a most rapid 
circulation. The following is the notice taken of Mr. Wil- 
berforce : — * 

" To me, all heedless of proud fashion's sneer, 
Maurice is learn'd, and Wilberforce (v) sincere, 
(Though on his page some pause in sacred doxibt,) 
As Gisborne serious, and as Pott devout. 

" (v) See ' A Practical View,' &c. Some very serious 
persons have their doubts as to the theological principles 
of this work in their full extent, and I fear it is far 
too rigid and exclusive in its doctrines. There is also too 
much of a sectarian language, which cannot be approved. 
But of the intention, virtue, learning, and patriotism of the 
eloquent and well-informed senator, I have the most honor- 
able and decided opinion. 

" His work is vehement, impassioned, urgent, fervid, in- 
stant ; though sometimes copious to prolixity, and, in a few 
parts, even to tediousness. Perhaps it is the production of 
an orator, rather than of a writer ; I should think it had 
been dictated. Throughout the whole, there is a manly 
fortitude of thought, firm and unshrinking. But for my 
own part, for obvious reasons, I dislike the term, ' Real 
Christianity, as exclusively applied to any set of propositions 
drawn from the Gospel. 

" From external circumstances, indeed, I would not take 



* We quote from the fourteenth edition, 1808, p. 434. It confirms 
the statement "we have made concerning the wide diffusion of Mr, 
Wilberforce's book, that the sale of the " Pursuits of Literature" — 
the most able and popular satirical and literary jDublication of the day 
'—scarcely surpassed it in rapidity and extent of circulation. 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XXIX 

theology from Athanasius or Bossuet, morality from Seneca, 
or politics from Lansdowne or Sieyes. But I will own, that, 
from a scrutiny into the public and private character of Mr. 
Wilberforce, I am inclined to think that his enemies would 
be forced into an acknowledgment, (as it is recorded in the 
words of a prophet,) that they ' can find no occasion against 
this man, except they find it against him concerning the law of 
his God.' A reader of his work must be good or bad in the ex, 
treme, who may not receive some advantage from such a com- 
position. I am unworthy to praise it, and I feel myself so." 

These quotations tend to give a just idea of the reception 
which this publication met with at the time. The very ex- 
ceptions which the author of *' The Pursuits of Litera- 
ture" made to it, served to quicken curiosity, and promote 
examination into the principles of the writer. Without 
some such deductions, strange as they seem to us now, the 
commendations would not then have been in general well 
received. Unqualified praise would have insured the 
sweeping condemnation of the large bodies whom it chiefly 
addressed. Such censures were the tax paid by so power- 
ful an appeal to the nation, on its first appearance. If such 
reflections had not been current, the public mind must have 
been in a state not to have needed the animadversions which 
occasioned them. 

It is indeed a curious circumstance, and deserves notice. 
The very attempt to restore a decayed national piety, if 
such an attempt be really needed, implies, in the state of 
mind and principles of the great mass of influential persons, 
an ignorance, an indifference, or a hostility to vital religion, 
which will assuredly be roused to resent, in the first in- 
stance, the fervid remonstrance ; and the resentment will, 
of course, show itself, if it be practicable, in misn presen- 
tations of the talents, learning, motives, spirit, sentiments of 
the writer. If these are not easily vulnerable, then recourse 
will be had, as in the case before us, to the loose and more 
general charge of fanaticism, attachment to a sect, exces- 
give strictness ; which all mean nothing more than a petty 
3* 



XXX INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

revenge on a writer, by far too benevolent and too able to be 
rejected or despised. 

Let us, however, for a moment pause to weigh the charges 
preferred against our Author. In the *' British Critic," be- 
sides the allusion to a sect which I have cited, the following 
accusations are advanced : — 

" It is usually censured as too severe, and on the few 
passages which seem to mark a tendency to a particular 
species of enthusiasm, more stress is placed than the occa- 
sion properly demands. Mr. Wilberforce may be connected 
with a sect — of this we are not anxious to inquire," &c. 

*' He shows, in some parts, a bias towards a sect which, 
by its fanatical interpretation of the doctrines of grace and 
divine influence, has thrown the greatest discredit upon the 
genuine tenets on those subjects." 

The Reviewer further taxes him with " palliating the 
vulgarity of uninstructed teachers, — with speaking against 
public schools and universities, — with carrying his dislike to 
the stage to a mistaken degree of strictness." 

Such is the amount of the most plausible allegations of the 
theological and literary writers of the time ; for we do not 
take into consideration the coarse objections of the infidel 
and Socinian school. And of what real weight are they I 
Omitting the order in which we have cited them, we think 
they may be reduced to three sources. They either spring 
from misapprehensions on the great subject of religion itself, 
©r from a begging of the question in hand, or from a fastidi- 
ousness altogether unworthy of a thoughtful and sincere in- 
quirer. 

To begin with the first : the objection about ** a set of 
propositions being drawn from the Gospel, and named real 
Christianity," is mere misapprehension. The main scope 
©f any practical science must be drawn out into certain ax- 
ioms, or principles, or propositions ; and if the leading doc- 
M'ines and precepts of the Gospel have been obscured and 
eluded, what is to be done by a reformer, but to appeal to 
the Divine Records, and to mark the distinction strongly 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAV. XXXI 

between nominal and vital religion, by such statements of 
doctrine and practice — call these statements " a set of pro- 
positions," or what you will — as may arouse the conscience, 
instruct the faith, guide the judgment, animate the devo- 
tions, elevate the principles, purify the conduct of his coun- 
trymen ; and recal them from the form of godliness to the 
power, from error to truth, from the shadow and image, to 
the substance and reality of Christianity ? 

The charge of over-strictness is ready to be advanced, as 
soon as this first objection is silenced. But surely it re- 
quires no very large share of candor to allow, that this is 
A BEGGING OF THE QUESTION. In a work whicli brings 
forward, against a corrupt age, a bold and well-supported 
accusation of departure from the original purity of the 
Christian system, it is clearly one of the weakest imagina- 
ble replies to say, The statements are too rigid. The ques- 
tion is. What saith the authoritative declaration of Scrip- 
ture 1 A book may be far too strict for the habits and fash- 
ions of the day, and compared with the general doctrine 
and practice which prevail, and yet not at all too strict 
when compared with the demands and decisions of the 
Gospel itself. In proportion as men have departed from 
the true standard of piety, and established a variety of false 
maxims of conduct, undoubtedly all appeals to primitive 
Christianity must appear strict. But this is not the fault of 
the author who detects the real state of things, but of the 
world which makes the detection necessary. Then let the 
opponent consider, that Christianity is every where repre- 
sented in the New Testament as a restraint, an effort, a 
scries of difficulties overcome, a course of self-denial. Let 
him remember, also, that the abundant reward which awaits 
the victor, the heavenly rest, the glory above and beyond 
this lower world, which is the prize of the successful comba- 
tant, implies the previous course of difficulty on which the 
whole objection rests. 

Nor let it be forgotten, that, in human affairs, men con- 
stantly act on the principle of denying present pleasure, 



XXXU INTRODUCTORY ESSAY^ 

and undergoing present inconvenience, for future counterba- 
lancing advantages. 

And what, after all, is the sacrifice which Christianity 
demands, for which she does not assign the reason and sup- 
ply the adequate motive ? Does not the divine principle of 
love make every restraint practicable, nay, easy ? Does 
not the influence of grace fit and prepare the heart for its 
task ? Is there not a heavenly bias communicated, a sacred 
apprehension, a new taste, a birth from above, which renders 
the path of duty possible, natural, necessary to the sin- 
cere Christian 1 Then, where is this charge of rigid and 
overstrained injunctions ? Where this allegation of im- 
practicable strictness 1 Does it not clearly proceed on tak- 
ing for granted a question which must stand or fall by the 
unerring sentence of the Word of God ] 

Driven, however, from these flimsy and insecure retreats, 
our opponent entrenches himself in the strong fastness of 
general prejudice — in a fastidiousness altogether un- 
worthy OF a sincere inquirer. " The book is of a 
sectarian cast. The author belongs to a sect. The spirit 
of the religion is overtinctured with enthusiasm." Feeble 
and miserable cavil on a subject of such a momentous char- 
acter ! And are all the nameless shades of party and pre- 
judice, in a great and free nation, to be congregated, in ord«r 
to scare away the inquirer from the honest influence of 
truth ? What, is there any branch of science or art which 
is free from this indistinct charge of party-spirit ? When 
was it that politics were purified from this admixture ? 
What was the period when polemical divinity stood clear 
of the imputation of creating divisions in the Church ? 
And shall a book, like the one in question, the very charac- 
teristic of which is benevolence, be condemned tor a sup- 
posed tincture, slight as it is confessed to be, of a sectarian 
language or spirit ? The fact is, no impartial reader can 
harbor the insinuation. The whole style and drift of the 
work is, perhaps, as free from any just charge of party 
feeling, as any religious treatise in our language. It is far 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XXXIU 

too noble and generous to belong to a sect. Its leading 
features are manliness and independence of thought, ele- 
gance and naturalness of style, exuberant candor and char- 
ity of spirit ; every thing the farthest removed from the nar- 
row artificial trammels of the minor subdivisions of the 
Christian Church. 

But we are betrayed into too great length. We shall be 
reminded, that after giving an account of the reception of 
the work, we were to consider, 

III. Its connexion with the revival of religion in our 
country. 

The peculiar importance of the volume under review 
cannot be justly estimated, without considering the eircum- 
stances of England at the time of its publication, and its 
wide influence upon the progress of a general restoration of 
Christianity among us. 

No wise man undervalues opportunities. The same trea- 
tise, however excellent, may at one period be of very con" 
fined service to religion ; and, at another, acquire, from 
unexpected contingencies, great additional weight. It was 
the peculiar happiness of our Author, to write at a moment 
whpn, in the dispositions of Providence, his appeal to his 
fellow-countrymen was to be attended with beneficial conse- 
quences, which no human foresight could have predicted. 

It was one of the principal means of awakening the minds 
of the leading persons in our country to the truths of spiritual 
religion, at that critical period of the late war, when infidelity 
was spreading too widely among all classes, and was threat- 
ening the destruction of the altar and the throne. 

We need not do more than recal to our readers' minds the 
state of things just previously to the year 1797, when this 
book first appeared. The revolutionary principles of 
France, after desolating that fine country, had infected our 
own. Europe beheld, with dismay, the Christian faith ab- 
'jured, the Christian institution of the Sabbath abrogated 
Christian morals overthrown ; and a flippant, unholy, pre- 



XXXIV INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

sumptuous philosophy, pretending to supply the place of 
Christian motives and Christian practice. The plague was 
secretly extending itself throughout Europe. The revolu- 
tionary governments of France,* succeeding rapidly one an- 
other, had few points of resemblance, except in their opposi- 
tion to Christianity. England was especially marked out 
as the object of their hostility. Some of the political par- 
ties in our own country appeared too much to adopt th^ 
language, and aid, however undesignedly, the projects of 
infidelity. The ministers of religion were far from sup- 
plying, in an adequate manner, the remedy for the evil* 
Our national church, indeed, upheld the majestic front of 
Christianity, and dispensed the most important benefits 
among our people ; but the spirit and purity of her minis- 
ters were far from corresponding, in any adequate measure, 
with the evangelical simplicity of her doctrines, and the 
piety of her devotional formularies. The decline from the 
principles of the Reformation, which had begun under our 
first Charles, and had been lamentably increased by the 
fanaticism of the Commonwealth, and the latitudinarianism 
and immorality of the times following the restoration of the 
Royal Family, still chilled the warmth of public devotion, 
and the efficiency of parochial instructions. The infidel 
writers, fostered by this state of things, had been refuted, 
indeed, by argument, bist had not been sufficiently repelled 
by the most powerful of all weapons — the holy doctrines and 
consistent lives of the ministers of the Christian church. 

Among the mass of the people, through God's goodness, 
a most salutary influence of religion had been revived and 
propagated, by the honest and persevering labors of differ- 
ent bodies, ranked under the general name of Methodists. 
But not a few evils had mingled, as might have been ex- 
pected, with their pious eflforts ; and their success was con- 
nected with an alarming secession from the national churchy 
The controversies, also, in which their leaders had been 
engaged, bad not left a favorable impression ; and the few 
clergy who were supposed to listen favorably to their ex- 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XXXT 

postulalions, wer^ involved in the reproach which rested on 
their name. Thus a general neglect or contempt for spirit- 
ual religion, was but too prevalent in the influential ranks 
in our country. 

To stem the torrent of infidelity, therefore, in the higher 
and middle classes of society ; to rouse the national estab- 
lishment to the holy efforts for which it was so well adapt- 
ed ; to restore the standard of that pure and vital Christian- 
ity, on which all subjection to law, and all obedience from 
motives of conscience, and all real morality and piety, ulti- 
mately depend; to sow anew the principles of loyalty, con- 
tentment, peace, holiness, deeply and permanently in the 
minds of men ; to rescue, in a word, our country from im- 
pending ruin, and render her a blessing to the nations — to 
these high ends, something more was decidedly wanting. 

The writings of statesmen did not meet the case. They 
excited, indeed, a just horror of atheism and insubordina- 
tion ; they painted the miseries of revolutionary frenzy in its 
true colours ; they vindicated the national creed in general, 
and the national clergy ; they enforced the importance of 
Christianity in its morals and its influence on the good or- 
der of society : but all this was partial and ineflfective. There 
was too much of personality and acrimony in their strict- 
ures — too much of worldly policy ; they understood not the 
full extent of the malady which they treated, nor did they 
rightly conceive of the nature of that heart-felt Christianity 
which was alone capable of producing a cure. 

In this state of things — the storm of the French Revolu- 
tion still raging — an open renunciation of Christianity just 
made in a great nation — Europe rent asunder with a war, 
which, after a duration of four or five years, seemed far- 
ther than ever from a close — the Church feeble, and full of 
apprehension— the ministers of state, and the legislature, over- 
whelmed with schemes of defence abroad and regulation at 
home — the minds of thoughtful men portending calami- 
ties — untold difficulties thickening around. In this state 
of things, who could be found to stand in the gap ; who 



XXXVl INTRODUCTORY ESSAT. 

could rise with the necessary talent and reputation to calm 
the distracted people ; who could mildly, and yet authorita- 
tively, interpose between the clamors of party ; who could 
recal men, with a bold and friendly voice, to the true source 
of their salvation, and the adequate remedy for their troubles ? 
One man at length appeared. Our Author was the honored 
individual. He undertook the task, unconscious to him- 
self of the extent of service he was rendering his country. 
He possessed all the various natural advantages required for 
such an emergency ; and he was soon acknowledged to be 
the person who could speak with effect, at such a moment, 
on the subject of religion ; who could best make an open con- 
fession of its genuine doctrines before his fellow statesmen, 
and appeal effectually to their hearts and consciences as 
to the necessity of a return to the faith and piety of their 
fathers. 
Two points especially lent weight to his remonstrances. 
His loyalty and attachment to his king exempted him 
from any suspicion of leaning towards revolutionary prin- 
ciples, in the religious feeling which he labored to extend 
amongst the leading people of his day. No one could 
doubt the general soundness of his political principles ; no 
one could call in question his truly English heart ; no one 
could insinuate, that democracy or disorder might lurk un- 
d^r the guise of his religious exhortations. The import- 
ance of this circumstance will be more clearly seen, if 
we bear in mind, that it was the nobility and gentry of the 
nation, the bishops and clergy, the leaders in parliament, 
the great mass of the warm adherents to the Church of 
JCngland and the political government of the state, that 
required the remonstrance. Other classes among us were 
not without their religious writers. But who was capable 
of fixing the attention of the great, the dignified, the el- 
evated, the powerful ] Who could gain admission for his ad- 
Mflonitions, into those circles where innovation was dreaded 
as a pestilence, where usage, and custom, and compliance 
with established forms, bore undivided sway 1 Who could 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XXXVll 

compel' those persons to doubt the sufficiency of their ac- 
tual views of religion 1 Who could make an address upon 
the most offensive of all themes, interesting to them, the 
object of curiosity, the topic of conversation, the attrac- 
tive point of something like discussion and rational mquiry ? 
Who could introduce the greatest of all changes, in an 
agitated moment, on the most susceptible of points, without 
awakening fatal suspicions ? We do not wait for the answer 
to all these questions— through God's goodness, the difficul- 
ty was met by the work before us, and, in a great measure, 
lessened or removed. 

Nor was the other point to which we adverted, as giving 
weight to his remonstrances, of less moment. The benevo- 
lence, the unaffected, deep-seated benevolence which per- 
vaded the Treatise, gave it a passport to most candid minds ; 
and united with the various excellences of the work itself, 
which we have enumerated in a former section, to make it al- 
most irresistible. Had the discussion been conducted in the 
spirit of controversy, had personal feelings been roused, had 
it been written, in short, in any other temper than that of uni- 
form affection and good will, it might, and would, we think, 
have failed of the high purpose which it ultimately attained. 
An angry or disputatious reformer, however eminently gift- 
ed, would have raised his voice in vain, in the midst of 
the political heats and apprehensions of the times. But 
the language of love could not be repulsed ; the tender- 
hearted advocate of the wrongs of Africa, the sympathising, 
sincere supporter of various public and private charities, 
was allowed to urge his peaceful suggestions — his well- 
known voice was recognized- — his motives confessed to be 
pure — his claim to attention admitted — his advice weighed— 
his religious appeal suffered to arouse and stimulate. Even 
when he spoke out most boldly, and advanced the most 
novel statements ; nay, when he attacked with penetrating 
force the degenerate sentiments and practice of his coun- 
trymen, love opened the way to his arguments, and dispos* 
4 



XXXVHl INTRODUCTORY ESSAIT. 

ed men to consider, at least, the case which he endeavored 
to establish. 

The consequence was, the work made considerable way 
precisely in the quarters where it was most wanted ; and 
contributed, in no small measure, to the progress of that 
general revival of religion which had already been begun, and 
which it is our earnest wish by every line in these pages to 
promote. 

The manner in which it may be conceived that it was 
subservient to this great end, it is not difficult to point 
out. 

1. It went to accredit real Christianity to statesmen and 
legislators. It was an exposition of the unknown subject, 
by one of their own body. It brought it down from the re- 
gion of conjecture and general prejudice, to the plain, tangi- 
ble question of a matter of fact. It placed it before the 
wide political circle in which the Author moved, as a point of 
investigation, to be settled by a reference to the admitted 
oracles of the Christian faith. Religion thus became the 
study of those, who, by their station and influence, gave 
laws to the popular sentiments and manners. The peculiar 
doctrines of the Gospel were no longer dismissed summarily 
as the tenets of low, uninformed sectaries, but weighed and 
examined as the opinions of an able and well-informed pub* 
lie person. 

2. It is only extending this observation to say, that the 
work conveyed important information to the higher classes 
generally in our country, and soon swayed, in some degree, 
the prevalent opinions on the subject of religion. The 
thoughtless, indeed, the dissipated, the utterly irreligious, it 
could not immediately reach ; but with the vast body of 
thinking persons, of those who had a reverence for Chris- 
tianity, who adhered to the National Church, and were 
open to a friendly, though penetrating remonstrance, it 
made its way rapidly. In many instances it surprised, 
it silenced, it informed : iri others, it aroused, it alarmed, 
it convinced, it changed. Among the higher ranks of 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. XXXIX 

the Ciergy, also, not a few were still more powerfully 
influenced perhaps, though more slowly, and after a lon- 
ger process of consideration and reflection.* Universi- 
ties, chapters, dignitaries, are, from the nature of the case, 
less open in the first instance, to appeals on the subject 
of religion, than other bodies ; because, from their profes- 
sional studies and occupations, their minds are pre-occupied, 
their judgments are ah*eady formed, charges of decline 
in piety assume a personal aspect, new statements of Chris- 
tian doctrine and practice may be construed as reflections on 
themselves. But when the first access to the mind of such 
classes of persons is fairly opened, the influence afterwards 
gained is proportionably important and pregnant with wide- 
spread consequences. 

3* Perhaps there was no order of men on whom the 
work, as connected with the progress of the revival of re- 
ligion, had a more important operation, than the younger 
Clergy. It bore powerfully on them, opened a new view 
of Christianity, addressed their consciences, and explained 
the difficulties in the state of Christianity which they had not 
been able to discover. It was the book most exactly adapt- 
ed for the reading, well-educated, inquiring minds of the 
young Clergy. It was upon their own topic. It addressed 
them with a talent, an authority, a masterly knowledge of the 
subject^ and yet a modesty and benevolence of style, which' 
could not be mistaken. It took them up precisely where 
they stood, — told them the strongest and most offensive 
truths, in the most courteous manner, — touched their feelings 
to the very quick, — supplied the intermediate ideas between 
their actual notions and real Christianity, — and strove to 



* In the autumn of 1797, the late venerable Bishop of Durham 
(Barrington) animadverted on the subject of the decay of spiritual re- 
ligion, ahnost in the very words of Mr. Wilberforce's book : a sub* 
ject which his Lordship resumed at length in his charge in 180!. 

In the year 1799, the Bishop of London (Porteous) not only urged 
the same complaint, but recommended expressly our Author's work. 

We say nothing of the celebrated charges of Bishop Hprsley, sq 
well known, and so highly esteemed. 



xl 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 



win them to the earnest pursuit of religion as their happiness 
and duty. How extensively these effects were produced, 
we cannot venture to say. That a most important impulse 
was thus communicated and propagated in the class of the 
young, and intelligent, and active Clergy, who at length give 
the tone to all others, cannot be doubted. 

4. Another order of persons which we must not omit, was 
that numerous body whom other treatises on religion had 
carried on a certain way, but who needed further aid in 
order to penetrate into the interior of the Christian temple. 
Those whom Law, or Nelson, or the author of the " Whole 
Duty of Man," or Pascal, or JNicole, had trained to piety 
and seriousness, our Author took by the hand and led on to 
more evangelical views of religion — quickened, consoled, 
strengthened, cheered, animated lo effort and zeal in their 
Christian course. 

5. Then, the book tended to form a school in Divinity, — 
it raised up a large and important class of writers, who propa- 
gated the sentiments which they imbibed from their master, 
and revived and thus widened the sphere of religious truth and 
activity. One distinguished female writer, indeed, had al- 
ready begun that admirable course of practical treatises, which 
has raised her to so high an elevation among the ornaments 
of her country. But in how large a measure the early efforts 
of Mrs. More were strengthened by the manly and powerful 
pen of our senator, we need hardly mention to those who 
know the similarity of sentiment, and warmth of friendship, 
which have, for so long a period of years, bound these distin- 
guished individuals together.* 

6. In short, when these and similar considerations are fair- 

* Mrs. More's "Thoughts on the Manners of the Great," preceded 
the publication before us ; but her greatest work, " The Strictures," 
and the numerous and valuable practical religious treatises which 
followed, were many years after it. 

We cannot here help adverting to the powerful effects produced by 
the "Cheap Repository Tracts" of the same eminent Lady, in stem- 
ming the torrent of revolutionary principles at that critical period 
which we have before noticed, and in diffusing among the lower 
classes, those sound political and religious principles which Mr. Wil- 
berforce's work was the means of diffusing among the higher orders. 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY, 



Xli 



]y weighed, it may be doubted whether many single books in 
any period of our history, have exceeded it in valuable and 
durable consequences. Compare it, for instance, with any 
one of the best pieces of Bishop Hall, Baxter, Owen, Arch- 
bishop Leighton, in the two centuries preceding the last, 
and we think we shall at once recognize the wide differ- 
ence between the effects produced by any of them, and 
those of the work before us. Or, take some of the most 
useful writings of his contemporaries, or persons just before 
his own day — Watts, Doddridge, Archbishop Seeker, Bishop 
Porteous, R. Hall — and it will be acknowledged, unless 
we are deceived by love to our author, that not one of 
these stood in any thing like the relation to a general re- 
vival of religion which our eloquent statesman's occu- 
pied. It is readily allowed, that many of these pieces sur- 
passed it as devotional, expository, controversial produc- 
tions. But as a noble appeal to a degenerate age, — as a 
work which forms an era in the history of the times, 
we must go back, in order to find a parallel to it, to the 
primitive Church — to the days of Augustine, or the glorious 
period of the Reformation, — that is, to times when similar 
revivals of piety were promoted and extended by somewhat 
similar means. 

7. We do not dwell on the benefit which the work produc- 
ed on the minds of the faithful ministers and servants of Christ, 
scattered throughout our country, and who were previous- 
ly laboring in the same field ; because this may rather 
seem to fall under the head of ordinary cases. It may be 
doubted, however, whether the good it produced in this 
respect has been sufficiently estimated. To strengthen 
the hands of the dispersed but faithful few in a declining 
period, to cheer them under discouraging circumstances, 
to unite them by a public appeal to the nation, to raise them 
from unmerited reproach, to open the way for their more 
public and energetic exertions, is, in a moment of investi- 
gation and movement in religion, of the very last impor- 
4* 



Xlii INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

tance.* Nor do we dwell on the important effects of the 
work in correcting the crude and inaccurate notions of 
evangelical religion, which were not uncommon, — notions 
which went to separate doctrine from practice, and to incul- 
cate high tenets and opinions, without the proportionate ad- 
mixture of moral exhortation and precept. The subserviency 
of the work to the extension and purity of the revival of reli- 
gion in this view, can scarcely be too highly appreciated. 

But to return. On a review of the connection of this pub- 
lication with the progress of real piety among us, we cannot 
help observing, further, how admirable are the ways of the 
Almighty, in revisiting, from time to time, his Church. Men 
are qualified and placed in circumstances to effect specific 
purposes in the order of events, for the extensive benefit of 
their country and the world. 

8. It will, we are sure, be recollected, that in every re- 
newed diffusion of true religion, it has pleased God to raise 
up certain instruments to procure that protection and aid to 
the efforts of his servants, which governors, and legislators, 
and persons in authority, under certain aspects of things, 



* As a specimen of the benefits produced on the pious Clergy, we 
give the following extract from a letter of the late Rev. T. Scott. 

"It (the work before us) is a most noble and manly stand for the 
gospel ; full of good sense and most useful observations on subjects 
quite out of our line ; and in all respects fitted for usefulness ; and 
coming from such a man, it will probably be read by many thousands, 
who can by no means be brought to attend either to our preaching or 
writings. Taken in all its probable effects, I do sincerely think such 
a bold stand for vital Christianity has not been made in my memory. 
He has come out beyond all my expectations. He testifies of the no- 
ble, and amiable, and honorable, that their works are evil ; and he 
proves his testimony beyond all denial. He gives exactly the practi- 
cal view of the tendency of evangelical principles for which I con- 
tend J only he seems afraid of Calvinism, and is not very systemati- 
cal ; perhaps it is so much the better. It seems, likewise, a book 
suited to reprove and correct some timid friends, who are at least half 
afraid of the gospel, being far more prudent than the Apostles were, 
or we should never have been able to spell out Christian truths from 
their writings. But it is especially calculated to show those their 
mistake, who preach evangelical doctrines, without a due exhibition 
of their practical effects I pray God to do much good by it; and I 
cannot but hope that I shall get much good from it, both as a preacher 
and a Christian."— Li/e, page 347, ^th Edition, 



iNfRODuctonr ESSAY. xHli 

can, humanly speaking, alone bestow. Thus " kings be- 
come nursing fathers, and queens nursing mothers to the 
church." At the Reformation, the influence of truth on 
the assembled princes, and dignitaries, and nobles, at the 
diet of Worms, and especially on the Elector of Saxony, 
was amongst the most evident causes of the progress of the 
evangelical doctrines. In like manner, the broad shield of 
authority which the Elector last named, threw around Lu- 
ther, preserved that magnanimous reformer from the vio- 
lence of his adversaries. The powerful influence of Cran* 
mer, and our Sixth Edward, in the early period of the 
English Reformation ; and of Elizabeth and her able minis- 
ters of state, in the progress of it, cannot be forgotten. In 
like manner, in our own day, if spiritual religion is to be 
guarded in her efforts, to be allowed the free exercise of 
union and co-operation, to be permitted to write and preach 
openly to the world ; if she is to send forth Bibles, and 
missionaries, and travellers, and agents, and propagate her- 
self unrestrained, through heathen lands, the government of 
our country must, to a certain degree, concur — the general 
spirit of persons in authority must be favorably swayed — 
the persecution and prohibitory laws must be silenced — the 
governors of our distant colonies must aid our labors. 
Worldly things must subserve and carry on heavenly. 

Now, the book before us had the effect, as it appears to 
us, of opening the way to all this assistance : it broke 
through the ban and barrier of prejudice in the great — it 
procured for the followers and disciples of Christ, the aid 
which the mercy of God saw to be necessary to the wider 
dissemination of the Gospel at home and abroad. Religion 
was defended — shown to be reasonable, pure, holy, consis- 
tent, benevolent. Those who would not allow every posi- 
tion, saw enough of the general nature of Christianity, to 
aid its progress, or to be silent about its dissemination. An 
impulse was given to legislators, and dignitaries, and 
sovereigns. The way was prepared for the march of the 
evangelical doctrines throughout the world. We are far, 



Xliv INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

indeed, from referring to this volume the general revival of 
religion in our country. This preceded, as we have stated, 
our Author's efforts. There were numerous fellow-work- 
men in this great field. The common people had been al- 
ready roused. A thousand things afterwards conspired, in 
the church, and in the spirit and success of various bodies 
separated from the national establishment, to that event. 
But this particular book occupied a post nobly and singu- 
larly ; it was a mighty instrument in carrying forward the 
great work, and advancing it in its progress — an opportune 
and powerful agent, in concurrence, indeed, with, and in 
succession to, and in advance of others ; but still a powerful 
agent, through the mercy of God, (to which alone is every 
blessing to be ascribed,) in aiding and extending the revival 
of pure Christianity. And the work was this, as it was the 
medium of communication between the mass of religious per- 
sons, and the clergy and elevated ranks in society ; the ac- 
credited and successful apology of evangelical truth, before 
senators, and dignitaries, and nobles and kings. But this 
leads us to the consideration of, 

IV. The progress of the revival of religion, since the pu- 
blication of the Practical View in 1797. 

And here the difficulty of the subject increases. To 
venture to give any opinion, with whatever diffidence, on a 
question so vast, fills the mind with apprehension ; and we 
are only induced to proceed, from the conviction that in a 
day like the present, it is no time to be silent — every one is 
bound to contribute his aid, small as it may be, towards aa 
object so infinitely momentous, and which can only be ac- 
complished, under the grace of God, by the united advice 
and efforts of all of every class, who can in any measure es- 
timate its importance. 

We conceive, then, that the progress of the revival of 
religion, which had been long going on in England, and 
which during the last thirty years has been so remarkably 
deepened and extended at home, and been propagated in 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. xlv 

almost every part of Protestant Europe may be traced in 
several particulars. 

1. The general standard of religious doctrine and prac- 
tice in our country has been rising since the publication of 
this work. A spirit of inquiry into the great principles of 
Christianity has been more and more excited. The import- 
ance of religion, of vital religion, has been more generally 
felt. The distinction between th^ form and the power of 
godliness has been better recognised. The idea of a pur- 
er Christianity has prevailed, and is still more and more 
prevailing. The general tone, in short, and character of 
religion has been elevated. Much, we know, remains to 
be done. Public sentiment is still far below the true stan- 
dard. But we speak comparatively. We are now ad- 

vaii^cu Id* Mc^uiju iut7 spui wnere we stood tnnty years 
since. 

As a proof of this, we may observe, that much ground 
has been gained as to most of the peculiar truths of the gos- 
peL Surely we must, perceive, that the scriptural doctrine 
of the deep fall and corruption of our nature, is much more 
generally admitted and preached than it was in the last 
generation. The necessity of the special influences of grace 
to the production of any thing spiritually good in man, is 
also more generally acknowledged. We are far from say- 
ing that there is not much of defect and error on these and 
other great questions still, but we speak of facts as they are. 
Again, the fundamental and consolatory doctrine which, per- 
haps, most characterized the Reformation, justification by 
faith only, is now after ages of contention, almost universally 
admitted. The favorite position, that faith and works 
conjointly justify man, is abandoned as no longer tenable, 
and the simple scriptural truth, that " works are the fruits 
of faith, and follow after justification,''* is commonly taught. 
We stand now pretty generally, we think, on the ground 



Article XI. 



Xlvi INTRODUCTORY ESSAV. 

to which LutW brought us, and on which our Eng- 
lish reformers planted their foot, the merits of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, as the exclusive cause of our pardon and 
acceptaAce with God. Once more, as to the vital question 
of the operations of the blessed Spirit, a large advance has 
taken place. Let any one contrast the secret scorn with 
which the influence of the Holy Spirit was too much treat- 
ed in the last age, with the reverence now entertained 
for it ; let him contrast the timidity, the apprehension, the 
concealment, which then obscured the beams of this vivify- 
ing truth, with the clear and scriptural effulgence which 
now surrounds it ; let him weigh the plain declarations of 
the necessity of the Holy Spirit's grace, ot the necessity 
of true conversion to God, of a spiritual liTe, and of daily 
supplies uf influences from abcvej which -'^e- now n^«dA. 
and he will perceive the striking difference. We are 
aware that the Baptismal Controversy, as it respects the 
grace conveyed by the Sacrament, and the use of the term 
Regeneration, is not yet composed ; but the progress of 
real piety is what we are pointing out; and even on this 
particular difficulty, it is evident, we think, that the essential 
points are becoming less and less disputed. Again, the 
standard of holiness, the details of Christian duty, the doctrine 
of morals, the obligation of the holy Law, the necessity of 
effort, and vigilance, and prayer, and self-denial, and sepa- 
ration from the world, are all in progress. The divorce, 
once too common, between doctrine and practice, is now 
much more rarely met with. Barren orthodoxy, a cold 
evangelical creed, and the Antinomian perversion of truth, 
are by far less frequent than formerly. 

These remarks apply, of course, chiefly to our National 
Church. But so far as we can judge, we think similar 
ones may be made on the prevailing theology of the ortho- 
dox bodies separated from it. The standard of pure evan- 
gelical doctrine and practice is rising, and attendant excesses 
and errors are less considerable, far less considerable, than 
they were. 



INl^RODUCtORY ESSAY. Xlvii 

2. In the next place, a spirit of moderation and charity 
is now apparent amongst those various parties and subdi- 
visions that exist, and will exist during the infirmity of the 
militant church, which was unknown thirty years since. 
Controversy has subsided.* The irritation of disputes on 
the Divine Decrees (a deep unfathomable) has been suf- 
fered to expire ; and far more practical questions, and con- 
ducted in a better temper — that on the grace of the Holy 
Spirit, for example — have occupied the placer The wall 
of partition between the Christian bodies not of the Estab- 
lishment, and the Establishment itself, has been a good 
deal broken down, and a mutual intercourse of kindness 
and respect cultivated. A general rivalship in doing 
good and saving souls and diffusing the Gospel, seems now 
the confessed duty of all. The natural, but unhappy jea- 
lousy, also, between the great body of the national clergy, 
and those who have been, by a sort of anomaly, termed 
in reproach, evangelical (a name which they are far from 
assuming) is rapidly disappearing. On the one side, infor- 
mation, and piety, and energy, are augmenting ; and the 
conformity of the other to the scriptural standard of faith 
and holiness, is more justly appreciated, and any unneces- 
sary peculiarities allowed to die away ; whilst a spirit of 
love is uniting the two classes. Every year almost, dis- 
tinguished persons arise in the church, who carry the great 
body of the clergy forward insensibly, and thus advance 
that general tone of evangelical sentiment, for which oujr 
Author, in the last age, stood forth almost the single defend- 
er ; and which, when generally diffused, will annihilate the 
distinction which has so long been the reproach to our na- 
tional church. 

3. The progress of real piety, again may be traced in the 
greater attention paid to subjects connected with morals 
and religion, in the nation generally, and especially in the 



* The valuable labors of the Christian Observer have much con- 
tributed to this result. 



Xlviii INTRODUCTORY E^SAY, 

Houses of Parliament. We speak of what lies open to 
daily observation. The admission of Christianity into 
India ; the establishment of episcopal sees in the East and 
West Indies ; the abolition of the slave trade, and mitiga- 
tion of slavery ; the investigations into the sufferings of 
missionaries in our colonies, and into the state of prisoners 
in our own country ;* the erection of churches in our popu- 
lous parishes by national grants ; the encouragement of edu- 
cation ; the abolition of the Lottery ; the intense interest 
manifested for the moral improvement of Ireland, are most 
of them questions which thirty years since no one would 
have supposed it possible to bring before Parliament with 
success. Much, much undoubtedly, must still be lamented 
in the religious information and temper of the Legislature, 
but of the progress actually made, we conceive, no reasona- 
ble doubt can be entertained. Again, the active piety of 
no inconsiderable number of individuals amongst the no- 
bility and gentry, the dedication which they make of their 
t*me, and wealth, and influence, to the honor of God ; 
their open and consistent profession of the peculiar doc- 
trines of the Gospel ; the aid they lend to our great religious 
societies ; and the opposition which they cheerfully endure 
in their own circles for the sake of the cross of Christ, are 
points not to be omitted to this enumeration, incomplete as 

it is. 

And does not the diffusion of general education, also, as 
connected with religion, speak the language of hope as to 
the state of public feeling] What will not our National, 
and Infant, and Lancasterian Schools produce before ano- 
ther generation has elapsed, or rather, what are they not 
producing already ] A source of religious principle is thus 
early opened in the youthful mind ; talent is developed in 



* It is impossible for us not to notice here, the surprising effects of 
the labors of Mrs. Fry, who has been called, not unjustly, the apos- 
tle of women. 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. * xlix 

unison with the knowledge and habits essential to its safe 
direction ; and the national character is rising. 

4. Once more, the increased diligence and piety of our 
students at the universities, deserves observation. This is 
like the spring in the year. All teems with the promise of 
piety and devotedness in our future ministers of religion. 
The spirit, likewise, which prevails in the most influential 
bodies amongst the seniors in our universities ; the higher 
standard of preaching there encouraged ; the vigilance ex- 
ercised over the morals of the students ; the strictness of the 
divinity-examinations, are all so many pledges of important 
good, and mark the progress of the revival of religion. The 
number, indeed, in these classes, is not great, and might 
seem scarcely to require a distinct notice ; but the effects 
are incalculable. One generation of pious and devoted can- 
didates for ordination, is the blossom of the next age. 

5. The increase of piety and simplicity in our parochial 
clergy, is only the consequence of what has been stated in 
the preceding remarks. It is the seed-plot of divine grace 
among our population. The pious minister of religion, of 
whatever confession, but more especially the pious parish 
priest, is the guide, the comforter, the friend, the pastor of 
his flock. The streams of living water flow from his doc- 
trine and his life, for the refreshment and salvation of the 
people. To this branch of our subject belongs a respectful 
notice of that very observable progress in the activity and 
piety of the dignitaries of the church, which unites them 
more closely with charitable institutions, opens their affec- 
tions to their pious clergy, leads to the better distribution of 
patronage, and augments the strictness of the previous ex- 
amination of candidates for holy orders. 

6. And what shall we say of the voluntary associations 
for the diffusion of the Gospel abroad and at home, which 
are the glory of our day, and which have reflected so much 
light and energy on our ministers and our people ! What 
can mark the progress of a revival of religion, if the increas- 
ed exertions of Christians in disseminating the Holy Scrip- 
5 



1 INTRODUCTORY ESSAT. 

tures, in planting niissions, in calling back the houses of Is- 
rael and Judah to their Messiah, in scattering profusely 
prayer-books and homilies, and religious tracts and treatises 
in every quarter, in translating for foreign nations and bar- 
barian tribes the records of our faith, do not prove it! We 
confess we dwell with delight on these effects of the bles- 
sing of God on his Church in the present day. We firmly 
believe such a period of light and exertion has not appear- 
ed, taking it altogether, since the days of the apostles. We 
can conceive of nothing more pregnant with future bles- 
sings. The different societies, both within and without the 
Church, almost equally excite our joy. Had there been 
only one society, or societies in only one division of the 
Church of Christ, torpor would have soon, as in former in- 
stances, benumbed our efforts. It is competition and rival 
exertions, and the division of labor, and mutual emula- 
tion for the dissemination of the faith, under the protection 
of a mild and beneficent Government, and with the concur- 
rence of a tolerant Established Church, that affords the fair- 
est prospect, considering man as he is, and the visible 
Church as it is and ever has been, for accomplishing the 
conversion of mankind. 

7. And here, can we fail to add the proof of reviving 
grace, which appears so distinctly in the raising up of suit- 
able instruments, in various departments of labor, for 
carrying on the different tasks essential to the main 
result ? Who formed the noble individuals, that have taken 
the lead in the present day ? How few in number compara- 
tively ; and yet suppose them withdrawn, and every thing 
would be at a stand ! Authors, compilers, translators, trav- 
ellers, agents, artists, schoolmasters, catechists, missiona- 
ries, secretaries, presidents, public speakers, — we are ap- 
pealing to those who know the interior of our great socie- 
ties, — have been raised up in a remarkable manner to fill 
their respective posts, and have displayed the appropriate 



INTRODUCTORY ESSA.Y. 



It 



talents which those posts required — a sure criterion of a di- 
vine effusion of mercy on the Church.* 

8. The concurrence of the secular powers in different 
nations, to succor the infant cause of the Bible Societies 
and Missions — the aid afforded by our own Government in 
their home and foreign stations — the position of these sta- 
tions, scattered on the borders of the chief Heathen and Ma- 
bommedan countries — the prodigious influence of the Brit- 
ish name in the East, with the augmenting extent of her 
empire — the inventions in the arts, more particularly in 
those connected with the press — are all subsidiary, but im- 
portant particulars in such an inquiry as the present. 

9. The preparation in the mind of the Heathen and Ma- 
hommedan state's, for the reception of pwre Christianity, is 
another mark of a divine interference. The world seems 
in movement. Dissatisfaction with existing error, inquiry 
after the records of the Christian faith, openness to convic- 
tion, esteem for the British character, are indications not to 
be mistaken. The opposition of the courts of Rome and 
Constantinople, has only issued in the wider spread of the 
religious knowledge which they naturally enough wished 
to extinguish, and lights up brighter expectations as to the 
future. 

10. Again, the protest which has been entered against the 
peculiar corruptions of the Church of Rome, in the late con- 
troversies, cannot but be regarded as a mark of the advance 
of the revival of real religion. We speak not of the questions 
connected with the political condition of the members of 
that Church in Ireland. We may or may not be right in 
this respect. Probably there has been, and is much of 



♦We might add the noble list of officers in the army and navy, 
who support the cause of religion wherever they are stationed. The 
Naval and Military Bible Society, which, in 1804, had only two naval 
and military officers on the list of contributors and friends, in 1814 
numbered 109, and in 1825, 315; each of whom may be considered 
as a herald and agent of truth, raised up by Almighty God, from a 
class least likely, ordinarily speaking, to yield such characters. 



lii INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

what is wrong in that part of our conduct. But we speak 
of the decided spirit which the Protestants have manifest- 
ed against the religious abominations of Popery. We 
speak of the bold and manly exposure of her anti-scriptural 
usurpations, which has been made before the eyes of the 
nation. We speak of the hallowed talent and zeal kindled 
against her idolatry, her superstitions, her tyranny over the 
conscience, her prohibition of the reading of the Bible, her 
opposition to the civil and religious liberty of mankind. In 
this view, also, the open stand made against the Apocry- 
phal Books, though connected with some painful circum- 
stances, is of real importance. 

11. The dissemination of knowledge on the subject of 
Divine Prophecy, after every deduction that must be made 
on the score of rashness or miscalculation, is a token of 
reviving piety among us. "Blessed is he that readeth, 
and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep 
those things that are written therein, for the time is at 
hand." The study of prophecy, in the best sense, is assur- 
edly increasing, and this is one symptom of the rising zeal 
and activity of the church ; for prophecy shines as a lamp 
io a dark place — prophecy cheers the feeble efforts of our 
early missions — prophecy animates with hope of Divine 
assistance — prophecy explains the greatest mystery in the 
aspect of things, the Western and Eastern apostacies — 
prophecy holds out to us a series of times, which, by every 
calculation, must ere long run out — prophecy encourages, 
warrants, animates the efforts now making at home and 
abroad for the conversion of the world. 

12. We must add to these particulars the absence of 
persecution in our country. Real Christians are not forced 
into privacy — are not harassed by prohibitory laws — not 
involved in bitter hatred, and goaded by open injustice 
and public calumny. This is a certain criterion of a revival 
of mercy to a nation. The sincere servants of God are al- 
lowed to preach, and write, and labor, and extend them- 
selves peaceably far and wide, " none making them afraid," 



INTODUCTORY ESSAY. Hit 

This marks a Divine favor to the government and country 
which affords such protection. Popery has ever perse- 
cuted. Mahommedanism persecutes. Proud, declining, 
nominal Protestantism, is inclined to persecute. Infidelity 
and philosophy, with all their boasts, persecute. The re- 
vived Christian Doctrine proclaims its Author by its meek- 
ness, its tolerance, its benevolence, its charity, its patience. 

13, One point remains ; the progress of personal religion 
among us, the actual increase of the Divine influence, and 
of its holy effects in our neighborhoods, and parishes, 
and congregations. Much, we allow, very much still re- 
mains to be done ; but surely we cannot fail to observe the 
large advance which has taken place in the general effi- 
ciency of our religious services, during the last thirty years. 
Without this, indeed, all the other criteria of a revival of 
religion would be fallacious. It is the diffusion of personal 
and family piety, of holiness in our domestic circles, of 
conversion to God, of love to the Saviour, devotedness to 
His service, watchfulness and self-denial, circumspection 
and zeal, which denotes the abiding mercy cf God with us, 
and prepares for every future blessing. 

Let now these particulars be laid together, and we think 
the reader will perceive something of the progress of the 
revival of religion, since the publication of the work before 
us. It is not one or two of these particulars which would 
constitute this advance, if separately considered ; it is the 
concurrence of them all — it is the conjoined effect of this 
renewed life and grace within the Church, and of these 
favorable circumstances without it, which marks the finger 
of God, and forms an era of peculiar grace. 

The impression would be deepened, if we were to re- 
view the correspondent progress in real piety, which has 
been made during the same period in some of the Protes- 
tant Churches in France and Germany, and other parts of 
Europe, as well as in the extensive and powerful Ameri- 
can States. But enough has been said for the purpose in 
hand, 

5* 



liv mTRODUCtORir ESSAY, 

We must however observe, before we pass on, that ex- 
treme caution is necessary not to overstate these favorable 
appearances, and not to forget the numerous defects and 
sins which are still prevalent in the visible Church. The 
ground actually gained, is indeed considerable, compared 
v/ith the point from which we set out half a century since ; 
but let us not deceive ourselves. The distance between our 
present attainments, and the true elevation of primitive faith 
and love, is still immense. There is a mass of hatred, of 
bitter, determined hatred, against evangelical truth and holi- 
ness, lurking in our country. Appearances of discord and 
decline, are, alas ! not wanting even in our best designs and 
projects. The present promise of things in the Church seems 
precisely to be that which may, with the Divine blessing, 
speedily ripen into a glorious harvest ; and may, also, if our 
sins should provoke the Divine displeasure, be as quickly 
blighted and disappear. Enough has been vouchsafed to our 
prayers, to encourage us to redoubled vigilance, and effort, 
and hope, and yet enough is still unaccomplished, to lead us 
to deeper humiliation, and more fervent prayers for the 
increased effusion of Divine mercy. But this leads us to 
our last topic. 

V. Some suggestions as to the manner in which this re- 
vival may be further advanced. 

And here it is with no affected diffidence that we profess 
our incompetence and apprehensions. The very attempt to 
speak on such a subject, affixes the charge almost of pre- 
sumption on those who make it, and yet we have been 
drawn on so far, that we must venture on a few hints, in 
sincere humility, we trust, and simplicity of heart. 

1. Thankfulness, then, to God for what he has already 
wrought, must be the first duty in circumstances like 
ours. We know who has said, " He that offereth praise, 
glorifieth me." Let our Saviour God have all the glory 
of what his mercy has vouchsafed. Let us not think 
too much of men, or instruments, or second causes. " The 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. JV 

work that is done upon earth, God doeth it himself." We 
are in danger of self-complacency, of flattering distinguished 
individuals, of looking to external splendor and outward 
circumstances, and human policy. Let us pierce through 
all this, that we may approach the throne of our God, and 
there prostrate ourselves in humble adoration and praise. 
•* Let no flesh glory in his presence ; but he that glorieth, 
let him glory in the Lord."* 

2. Peculiar caution against dangers to which our situa- 
tion exposes us, may next be mentioned. The great revival 
we have been describing, has been brought about and 
extended during a state of outward tranquillity and peace 
in the church, at least so far as our own country is con- 
cerned. The imminent dangers springing from such a state, 
must be recognized and watched against with wakeful jea- 
lousy, if the revival is to advance. Religion is extended no 
farther, in fact, than the actual renewal and sanctification of 
the heart and nature of individuals are extended. Let any 
one look into the declining Asiatic Churches of the Apoca- 
lypse, and see how they fell, and then let him tremble for 
himself and the Churches now. A temporizing spirit, the 
fear of man, conformity to the doubtful practices of the world, 
a dread of the offence of the cross, self-seeking, vanity, neg- 
lect of family and closet devotion, inconsistencies of temper 
and conduct, the love of pleasure and indulgence, a tenden- 
cy to display and ostentation, apathy and coldness of heart 
as to the real interests of Christ's kingdom, delight in de- 
tecting and exposing the faults of the pious and active — 
these, and the like sins, are the peculiar snares of a day of 
external ease ; and unless they are sedulously guarded 

* In this view we are not without apprehension that we may have 
been betrayed into expressions too warm, and which, to strangers to 
the Work, may have the appearance of flattery, in speaking of the 
Volume which has given occasion to these pages. Our sincere aim 
has been to record only what we consider to be facts ; and with the 
direct design of ascribing the entire praise to the One G iver (^f every 
blessing. Still we stand condemned if there be a single word which 
can fairly be considered as partaking of adulation. 



Ivi INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

against by ministers and people, the Holy Spirit will^ be 
grieved and withdraw from us ; and, with him, all our pros- 
pects and hopes will vanish as a dream. Besides these 
personal dangers, there are more national and public ones, 
— the violation of the holy Sabbath by Sunday companj, 
Sunday travelling, Sunday busisnes, and more especially by 
Sunday Newspapers,* is one of our most flagrant nation- 
al sins ; and is weakening, we fear, the good habits of for- 
mer days in many religious families. The connexion with 
religious societies from inferior and secular motives only — 
the neglect of family duties by the plea of public exertions — 
the separation of education from direct evangelical princi- 
ples — the excessive spirit of enterprize and ambition in com- 
mercial pursuits, are perils of a public description against 
which we must use every fit precaution. 

3. A higher reverence for the Bible is a third duty of this 
period of revived piety. If the present hopeful appear- 
ances are to be realized, men's fallible writings must be of 
less weight than they have been, and God's Book of infi- 
nitely greater. Far as we are advanced in honoring, and 
studying, and upholding the inspired word of God, (and in 
this view the Bible Society is of incomparable value, and 
has in it the seeds of further blessings — blessings which its 
warmest supporters are little able to appreciate,) yet we 
apprehend we have scarcely passed the threshold of the 
great subject. The unutterable importance of deeply im- 
bibing, and honestly following the very spirit of the Bible, 
in all its parts and statements, can only be fitly illustrated 
by considering the fatal mischiefs which have sprung from 
the practical neglect of this duty. All the superstitions of 
Popery, are merely comments of men superseding the dec- 
larations of God. Socinianism is only a different and more 

* This is an evil of such portentous magnitude, and so new to this 
Protestant nation, that we can omit no opportunity of pointing it out 
to the reprobation of every friend to his country, and to the inter- 
ests of religion. Every month, almost, witnesses some accession to 
the list of these open profanations of the Lord's day. From London, 
the plague is spreading to our provincial towns. 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 



Ivii 



fatal perversion of human reason to the neglect of the Bi- 
ble. The contentions of churches, the heats of dispu- 
tants, the excesses of systems of theology, all spring 
from multiplying and magnifying the deductions of fallible 
men, and putting those deductions in place of the Bible. 
The general and charitable outlines of fundamental truth 
indeed, which are drawn up in the Confessions and Arti- 
cles of the Protestant Churches, are necessary as matter of 
discipline ; but the insisting dogmatically and exclusively 
upon these, to the neglect of the sacred Scriptures them- 
selves, from which they are derived, is the evil of which 
we complain. We conceive all our churches are faulty 
here. To exalt the divine Revelation more and more, in 
its plain and obvious sense, is the way to bring down the 
further blessing of the Holy Spirit, is the way to heal divi- 
sions, to propagate a sound and holy doctrine, to advance 
genuine unity and love . Let Lord Bacon's principle, 
which opened the way to all the discoveries in natural phi- 
losophy, be applied to divinity, and correspondent improve- 
ments may be expected. Instead of systems, let us seek phe- 
nomena. Instead of what agrees with principles, principles 
themselves. Instead of forcing nature and scripture, let 
us follow them, interrogate them, obediently yield to them. 
Instead of framing general laws and notions, let us be content 
with collecting separate facts and statements, and proceed 
on cautiously from these towards general conclusions, in 
the way of induction and experiment, not in the manner of 
hypothesis and abstract reasoning. Thus will God's Word, 
at length, in the hand of its divine author, become the ac- 
knowledged standard and touchstone of truth, the grand in- 
strument of illumination and sanctification to mankind. 
There is nothing which we should not hope for from the 
honest, intelligent, paramount use of the Bible, and the Bi- 
ble only, in the Church of Christ. All the grand corrup- 
tions of Christianity have proceeded from men's closing that 
sacred book 5 its revival, then, must be accompanied b^ 



Iviii INtRODUCTORY ESSAY* 

their opening it again in humble faith, and implicitly fol- 
lowing its unerring dictates. 

4. A bold practical avowal of the peculiar doctrines of 
the Gospel, is an inference from the preceding remark. If 
the country is to be awakened, and the world converted, it 
must be by a full, unshrinking exhibition of Christ cruci- 
fied. The deep fall and impotency of man, the person and 
glory of Christ, the Deity and operation of the Holy Ghost, 
justification by faith only, regeneration and progressive 
sanctification by the Spirit, holy love, obedience the fruit 
and evidence of faith, — all centering in the cross, and ema- 
nating from the atonement and righteousness, and conspir- 
ing to illustrate the power and grace of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. This is the doctrine which the Holy Spirit will 
bless. A timid, obscure Gospel, is no Gospel at all ; — it 
wants both the principles which console, and those which 
save ; — it never has, it never will effect considerable things 
in the propagation of truth. The simplicity of the cross of 
Christ, with the mighty power of grace which accompanies 
it, is all we need, and all that God has determined to use 
to the diffusion of his mercy throughout the world. 

5. In the next place, let each individual be increasing- 
ly active in his personal exertions, and in his union and co- 
operation with others. The effects of voluntary association 
in a free, enlightened, opulent, religious nation, are incalcu- 
lable. The power of the greatest monarchs is feeble com- 
pared with the combined energies of men marshalled in soci- 
eties, subdividing labor amongst themselves — collecting 
the thousand smaller contributions of the poor, — eliciting 
and employing talents and piety wherever they appear — 
watching for opportunities in every quarter of the world, 
and entering in at each point that opens, — acting on 
simple broad grounds of immediate duty, — assisting, con- 
soling, animating one another. Already we have seen 
wonders produced by the aggregation of numbers, who, if 
they had exerted themselves separately, could have ef- 
fected comparatively nothing. Let our great societies be 



INTROBUCTORY ESSAY. Hx 

extended and multiplied,— let voluiltary co-opefation be 
pushed on to its utmost limits, — let the vast unoccupied 
tracts in our own country be brought into cultivation, — let 
every one be induced to cast in his contribution, and add 
his exertions, — and what may not our Bible, and Missionary, 
and Religious Book and Tract Associations accomplish? 
One penny a week, from a population like ours of fifteen 
millions, would produce an annual sum of above three mil- 
lions of pounds sterling, — more than six limes the amount 
of all our present charitable incomes united ! 

But we must exert ourselves individually, as well as in 
societies. Let each Christian cast about for methods of ac- 
tive, decisive, persevering, wise, self-denying service in his 
family, his connexions, his neighborhood. Let him not 
despise smaller acts of mercy and goodness. These aro 
the only elements of the greatest results. Pride and igno- 
rance bid us wait for important occasions; humility cre- 
ates them by occupying the numerous, though inconsiderable 
opportunities of daily occurrence. — With these public and 
personal exertions, let an increased attention to private de- 
votion and the cultivation of the heart be joined. Then all 
will proceed safely. Communion with God will nourish the 
source whence public efforts flow, and will correct insensibly 
the dangers which attend them. 

6. A higher tone of Christian love is again, an indispensa- 
ble requisite to further advances in a revival of religion. 
Some persons think we have made great advances in this 
heavenly temper already. We are of a different opinion. 
We have admitted, indeed, that a considerable progress in 
it may be observed ; but this is comparative. We con- 
ceive there is no one part of the true imitation of Christ in 
which we are more defective still. That is not charity 
which requires our brother to think and act with us, and then 
promises him our support. That is not charity which conde- 
scends, on a few occasions, to suspend the warfare of par- 
ties. That deserves not the name of charity, which con- 
ceals only the envy or suspicion which we nourish toward- 



Ix INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

a class of Christians different from our own. Nor, on the 
other hand, is that charity which calls for an impracticable 
and confused mixture of all creeds and disciplines, and effa- 
ces the boundaries of conscience, and the rights of private 
judgment. Much less is that charity which magnifies 
and obtrudes subordinate points on occasions not calling 
for them, or beyond the occasions which call for them. 
But that is charity and love — Oh ! may the Spirit of 
love pour more of it into our hearts — which, leaving each 
Christian to think for himself, and rejoicing in the good 
which others do, and honestly believing they act from con- 
science towards God, as well as ourselves, and knowing 
that differences of judgment are the constant attendant on 
the infirmities of the Militant Church, and acknowledging 
that they are permitted for the very trial of that temper of 
kindness, which, without them, would have little room for 
exertion, and renouncing the chimerical and fruitless scheme 
of reducing the Visible Church to one model of discipline 
or one confession of faith, takes the wiser and happier 
course of uniting all hearts, of co-operating with oth- 
ers in every practicable method of enlarging the common 
ground where all agree, and narrowing the spots where they 
differ, and thus advancing the general interests of the king- 
dom of God. In heaven, all who have loved our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and served him in sincerity, will be one. Let them 
approach to this state more and more on earth. Let them 
rise up to the primitive standard, so beautifully described in 
the Acts of the Apostles, when '* all were of one heart 
and of one soul." Let them realize the sublime anticipa- 
tion of the Saviour himself. *' That they all may be one ; 
as thou. Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also 
may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou 
hast sent me." 

Nor is that essential branch of charity to be overlooked, 
which consists in dispensing our wealth, and influence, and 
time, for the good of the Church. Much progress has been 
made here. The munificence, the hallowed munificence 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. l^i 

of thousands in our rich and free country, is a sign of the 
times for good. Let this spirit he diffused. Let our com- 
merce and wealth, as the prophet expresses it, be " holi- 
ness to the Lord." Let the delight of dispersing abroad, 
instead of hoarding by covetousness, or wasting by display 
and self-indulgence, be sought for as the true use of rich- 
es. What might not, then, by the blessing of God, be ef- 
fected ! 

7. But united prayer for the larger effusion of the grace 
of the Holy Spirit, though it is a point which has been fre- 
quently pressed of late, is too important to be wholly omit- 
ted here. We are disposed to do any thing rather than to 
pray. And yet, as the labors of the husbandman are ut- 
terly vain in the natural world, except as God vouchsafes 
the genial softening showers, and shines out upon them 
with the cheering beams of day; so in the spiritual world, 
every exertion of all our societies united, is hopeless, except 
as the God of grace vouchsafes the genial, fructifying influ- 
ences of his Spirit, and shines upon them with the healing 
rays of the " Sun of Righteousness." We find it generally 
observed, that though pious ministers are multiplying in ev- 
ery part of the kingdom, and good is doing in the conver- 
sion of souls, and a dew from above falls pretty widely on 
their fields of labor ; yet there is no where a rich effusion 
of the Spirit. Our ministers do not " come forth in the ful- 
ness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ." One and 
another, indeed, is awakened in each congregation, and in 
a course of years a small body of pious persons is formed 
around the minister ; and even for such a measure of suc- 
cess, ardent praises are due to God. But we do not see 
" GREAT grace" upon our parishes — there are no " show- 
ers of blessing" — our own hearts, as ministers, are not 
" enlarged'' — our word is not " with the Holy Ghost, and 
with power" — numbers are not aroused and converted — 
" a great multitude" are not " obedient to the faith." 
That is, we require, we indispensably need, a large further 
effusion of the grace of the Holy Spirit. All languishes, and 
6 



I 



Ixii INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

will languish, till united, fervent, humble, persevering 
prayer, be made of the Church to God for his promised 
grace. iVolhing can fill our sails, nor bear up our rich- 
ly freighted vessel amidst the rocks and shoals which im- 
pede her course, nor carry her on triumphantly and glo- 
riously to her destined haven, but the wind from heaven, 
the favoring gale, the divine inspiration and afflatus from 
above. Oh, when will the Church act fully on her princi- 
ples, and devote those hours to prayer, which are now dis- 
sipated on inferior and doubtful objects ! When, when will 
her humble supplications be addressed with fervor and 
importunity for the one blessing which comprehends, or 
will insure, every other! "The only want at present," 
says an acute observer, after detailing the advancement of 
knowledge, and the immense opportunities which England 
possesses, "is the want of a will, the want of a resolu- 
tion of making efforts proportioned to the end to be ob- 
tained."* That is, the rr.ain blessing now required is the 
more abundant grace of Him who is the divine Illumina- 
tor and Sanctifier of fallen man — the sacred Comforter of 
the Church — the peculiar Promise, and characteristic gift and 
surpassing glory of the New Testament dispensation. 

8. Hope of great things is the last suggestion we would 
venture to make. We cannot reasonably look for the ac- 
complishment of the vast scope of prophecy and promise, 
till our faith and hope are invigorated to expect it. We 
judge of God from sense, and nature, and past periods of 
the church, and present difficulties : let us judge of him by 

*" The Advancement of Society in Knowledge and Religion." 
by James Douglas, Esq. p. 325. A book deeply interesting, and 
which, we trust, the Author will follow up by similar publications, 
or an enlarged edition of the present. We can conceive of few per- 
sons better qualified to devote themselves to the high task of combin- 
ing scattered information, directing to new scenes of labor, and in- 
structing and animating his fellow Christians ; especially in the va- 
rious topics of a geographical, historical, and philosophical nature, 
connected with the diffusion of religious knowledge throughout the 
world, than this able and lively writer. We owe much to his sug- 
gestions in the course of this Essay, which we take this opportunity 
of acknowledging. 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. IxiU 

the word of his truth, by the power of his grace, by the ef- 
ficacy of the cross of his only begotten Son, by the almigh- 
ty energy of his Spirit, Let us take our measures of hope 
and desire, not from ourselves and our puny wisdom and 
might, but from God and his omnipotent and all-glorious 
power. The progress of knowledge and information has 
just cleared away the rubbish accumulated round the Chris- 
tian temple — controversy, and heat, and division, have had 
their day — direct preparations are now, at length, making for 
the conversion of the world — the machinery is putting togeth- 
er — the main questions are practically understood — the world 
is " laboring and travailing," as it were, for the moment of 
deliverance — our own country unites almost every conceiv- 
able advantage for disseminating the Gospel throughout the 
world — the roll of prophecy is developing itself — the signs 
of providential dispensation accumulate around us — all calls 
us to HOPE — all calls on us to " lift up our heads" to wel- 
come the " redemption which is drawing nigh." 

For the third time has the Church been led to expect the 
close of things, and the accomplishment of the word of pro- 
phecy. At the era of the emperor Constantine, Christians 
looked up to see the empire first acknowledging the doc- 
trine of Christ, and then taking possession of the nations.* 
Again, at the period of the blessed Reformation, hope kin- 
dled at the threatened overthrow/ of Popery, and anticipa- 
ted the conversion of mankind. But the time was not then 
come — centuries of darkness and conflict had to intervene — 
the Church had various important lessons to learn — " the 
Man of Sin" had not developed all his hideous deformity. 
In a word, science, and literature, and arts, and commerce, 
and peace, and almost universal empire, as to the outward 
order of things, were to prepare for the second coming of 
Christ, as they did for the first. 

Now Hope plumes her wings with more humble distrust 

'♦Even as early as the second century, in the time of Ignatius and 
Polycarp, the hope of the consummation of all things was excited j but 
the expectation was much more widely diffused in the fourth century. 



Ixiv INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. 

of herself, indeed, and yet with more confidence and joy^ 
because the word of prophecy within the sanctuary, seems 
to correspond with the leadings and openings of providence 
without, to pronounce that the time is at hand. Eve- 
ry thing augurs the coming of our Lord, The thiee syn- 
chronical events of the fall of the eastern and western Anti- 
christs, and the conversion of the Jews, marked by nume- 
rous independent but converging predictions, cannot be dis- 
tant. Hope is, therefore, the »' helmet" to be put on now, 
if ever, in entering on this holy enterprise. The dispropor- 
tion between the ordinary means of the first Christians, and 
their success in propagating the Gospel, was incomparably 
greater, than between the means which Christian nations 
now possess, and the general conversion of mankind. But 
even if this were not so, faith and hope rely on the power 
and grace of God, first to create the adequate instruments, 
and then to crown them with triumphant success. 



May the writer of these pages be permitted to close the 
whole of the remarks which he has felt it his duty to offer 
on this great subject, by addressing a few words to two 
classes of his fellow-subjects and fellow-christians. 

He would, in the first place, respectfully remind the 
LEGISLATORS OF HIS COUNTRY, that the happiucss, and glo- 
ry, and safety of Britain, are bound up with the question 
which we have been considering. This reflection naturally 
follows from the remarkable volume of our Author. " Right- 
eousness exalteth a nation ; but sin is a reproach to any 
people." The ruin of the greatest commercial states, 
whether of those recorded in Scripture, or of those which 
profane annals have handed down to us, has sprung from 
corruption of manners, and contempt of God and religion. 
Nineveh, Tyre, Babylon, are beacons to us. Let us be- 
ware. Riches, luxury, fame in arms, prosperity, always 
tend to engender pride and selfishness, and lead on to fatal 
declines in national character. England has no prescript 



iNtAdbUCtORY ESSAY. IxV 

tive right to the power, and wealth, and numberless ad- 
vantages, which have been so profusely bestowed upon 
her, since the appeal of our distinguished senator was made 
thirty years back. India has not been committed to us for 
nothing. The empire of the seas is not an irresponsible 
blessing. Our colonies, scattered in every clime, are not 
without correspondent claims upon us.* Our fame and glo- 
ry in delivering oppressed Europe — our national freedom — 
our spirit of enterprise — our intercourse with every quar- 
ter of the globe — our augmented wealth — our skill in the 
sciences and arts, are not designed to be exclusive and 
barren advantages — all is a trust — all calls on us to mor- 
al effort. The continuance of them entirely depends on 
the good pleasui-e of God. In one moment, if such were his 
will, the splendid scene would vanish ; and national degrada- 
tion, discord, feebleness, perplexity, ruin, (as we may too fear- 
fully learn from late events) would start up in its place. The 
revival of religion, now so widely extended, demands of us 
renewed exertions. Legislators must act fully as Christians. 
The public mind expects this, and will bear them out in it. 
England must rise to her high destiny. If she remain 
stationary,-— but she cannot remain stationary — she will de- 
cline and perish, unless she press on in the noble career 
which providence now opens before her.| He consults best 
for the GOOD of his country, who labors to secure the di- 
vine protection, who speaks out boldly in her senate for God 
and religion, who protests against national sins, who moulds 
her laws to the divine precepts, who rouses her nobles 
and government to extensive and effectual moral improve- 
ments, who urges her on in the sacred course of religious 
feeling and exertion, who strengthens the foundations of 
her greatness, by consecrating her empire to the honor of 



* Oh how piercing are the cries of the enslaved and oppressed 
African ! — how surely do they enter the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth ! 

■f ** For the nation and kingdom that will not serve thee shall per-. 
i«h J yea thoee nations shall be utterly wasted." — Isa. Ix. i2q 

6* 



Ixvi INTROt^VtfOM £SSAt< 

God, and connecting it with the illumination and conver- 
sion of mankind. Let the statesman, then, take at length 
the Scriptures into his hand, and purify and elevate his 
political projects, by the estimate which God takes of nations, 
and the view which he gives of the highest ends of their ex- 
istence. Let him be deeply persuaded that every national 
sin fatally contributes to the dissolution of our power ; 
whilst every act of reformation and piety goes to arrest the 
deadly gangrene, and infuses new life and vigor into the 
whole body of the state. 

And may the writer next be allowed to address, with un- 
affected respect and deference, his brethren of the cler- 
gy. It is not on legislators, but on ministers of religion, 
that the progress of a revival of piety chiefly depends. 
Never did such an opportunity present itself, for our Na- 
tional Church becoming a blessing to mankind. The station, 
character, talents, learning and just influence of the clergy, 
precisely qualify them for taking the helm, now that the 
great lide of spiritual religion is flowing in upon us. In 
order to this, however, they must have themselves correct 
and well-fixed principles of vital Christianity. To under- 
stand thoroughly the Gospel of Christ in its peculiar grace 
and power, to feel and live habitually under its holy in- 
fluence, to preach and instruct the people in its transform- 
ing truths, this is their high vocation. The Church of Eng- 
land is, after all, only one means of maintaining and propa- 
gating the Gospel, Except as this is done, her great office 
is overlooked, and the discharge of inferior obligations can 
never remedy the evil. And is it not, he would ask, but 
too clear, from the effects of general education among our 
people, from the activity and talents of the various bodies 
separated from the church, from the bolder front of the Ro- 
man Catholic superstitions, and from the hostility of no in- 
considerable party in the legislature, that nothing can long 
support the Church of England, but her freely admitting 
the light which is pouring around her ; and not only re- 
flecting that light herself, but aiding in sending forth its 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. Ixvil 

glories throughout the world. The holy renewal already 
so much diffused in the Church of England, must go on yet 
more deeply and extensively, or a disruption may be too 
surely anticipated. In a free Protestant country, and in a 
day like the present, the strength of the National Estab- 
lishment is not its protecting statutes, its ancient edifices, 
its rights, its emoluments — important and necessary as 
these are — but its purity, its holiness, its zeal for the Gos- 
pel, its activity, its charity. The world is now in move- 
ment. The nations are waiting for the Gospel. The eas- 
tern and Western Apostacies totter to their fall. England, 
in general, is awaking to her duty and her privilege. And 
if the pure evangelical doctrines of the Reformation be not 
still more decidedly espoused by her bishops and dignita- 
ries, and taught and propagated by her priesthood and mis- 
sionaries, " help will come in from some other quarter ;" 
other bodies of Christians amongst us will be elevated to 
the post of honorable service, and the vast designs of the 
divine mercy will be accomplished by some less conspicu- 
ous, but more willing instruments. 

These are bold and startling truths, he is aware, but if 
they are truths, as the writer is deeply persuaded is the 
case, he is the best friend to the Church of England who 
shrinks not from avowing them. 

At present it is not too late. The National Church 
ought and may — and we trust and believe, will, rise to * 
her obvious duty. The body of our people are attached 
to her sound and holy forms of devotion ; her Arti- 
cles and Homilies are the most purely evangelical of any 
of the Reformed Communities; the spirit generally preva- 
lent in her hierarchy, is tolerant and charitable; her capa- 
cities of extensive usefulness are daily multiplying ; in pro- 
portion as her ministers discharge their vocation aright, af- 
fection and respect for their persons, esteem for their in- 
structions, and a cheerful, fixed adherence to the commun- 
ion of the Church at whose altars they serve, spon- 
taneously follow. Every thing combines to urge tho 



Ixviii IKTRODUCTORY ESSAt, 

Clergy forward. Let them not look back, to dispute about 
the past. Let them not stop to settle to what extent a de- 
cline had taken place among us. The fact sufficiently 
speaks for itself. And who can look impartially for one 
instant into the history of the Jewish Church, or read the 
remonstrances of the prophets, or remember the Apostoiic 
warnings to the first Christian Converts, or recur to the case 
of the falling Churches of the Apocalypse, — to say nothing 
of the uniform testimony of Ecclesiastical History since, — 
without acknowledging that declines in National Churches 
are the perpetual effect of human depravity? No personal 
reflections are conveyed by such statements ; nor is any pre- 
sumptuous claim implied on the part of those who make 
them. The one question is, What is Truth 1 — what is the 
Gospel? — what the call of divine mercy? — what the cir- 
cumstances of the times ? — what the necessity wiih which 
we are urged? — what the duty of each one in aiding the 
general result ? — And these considerations all invite, at the 
present juncture, with a force never before paralleled, the 
Established Clergy to the discharge of their peculiar office 
as heralds of the Gospel of Christ. As their guide in such 
a course, let them take in hand the writings of the men 
who have fought the battle of Christianity in somewhat 
similar periods. Let them imbibe the spirit of Cyprian or 
Augustine. Let them meditate on the magnanimous 
char^acter of Luther, and the noble army of Reformers. 
Let them take up afterwards the milder but kindred 
appeal of the Author whose work we have been re- 
viewing. Let them, above all, study the sacred Scrip- 
tures themselves, and drink into the very mind of the Apos- 
tles and Evangelists. Let them do this honestly and dili- 
gently; adding fervent and persevering prayers to God 
for the guidance of his Spirit — and the result may be an- 
ticipated. They will be brought, as it were, into a 
new world. New views will open before them ; new feel- 
ings agitate, new hopes enHven, new motives impel them. 
All the prejudices, and fears, and objections, formerly lurk- 



INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. Ixix 

ing in their breasts, will yield to the overpowering force 
and dignity of truth. Distrust and apprehension will be 
turned into admiration and love. — What more 1 — Our 
Reverend brethren will be beforehand with us in the 
conclusion to which we are hastening. Such a course will 
lead them to discern their truest interest, their real strength, 
their paramount obligation. A revival of piety, thus diffused, 
will SAVE THE Church of England. It will do more than 
this — though we are far from undervaluing this — it will bring 
her back to those doctrines and principles which her reform- 
ers first asserted at the price of their blood ; and it will thus 
make her, what she is so well adapted to become, the be- 
nevolent, and charitable, and tolerant leader of all that is 
good in our own country, as well as the herald of blessings 
yet untold to the most distant regions of the earth. 

D. W. 
Islington, October, 1826. 



INTRODUCTION. 



It has been, forL several years, the earnest wish of the wri- 
ter of the following pages, to address his countrymen on 
the important subject of religion ; but the various duties of 
his public station, and a constitution incapable of much la- 
bor, have obstructed the execution of his purpose. Long 
has he been looking forward to some vacant season, in which 
he might devote his whole time and attention to this interest- 
ing service, free from the interruption of all other concerns ; 
and he has the rather wished for this opportunity of undis- 
tracted reflection, from a desire that what he might send 
into the world might thus be rendered less undeserving of 
the public eye. Meanwhile life is wearing away, and he 
daily becomes more and more convinced, that he might 
wait in vain for this season of complete vacancy. He must 
be content, therefore, to improve such occasional intervals of 
leisure as may occur to him in the course of an active and 
busy life, and to throw himself on the reader's indulgence 
for the pardon of such imperfections, as the opportunity of 
undiverted attention and maturer reflection might have 
enabled him to discover and correct. 

But the plea here suggested is by no means intended 
as an excuse for the opinions which he shall express, if 
they be found mistaken. Here, if he be in an error, be 
freely acknowledges it to be a deliberate error. He would 
indeed account himself unpardonable were he to obtrude 
upon the public, his first crude thoughts on a subject of such 
vast importance ; and he can truly declare, that what he shall 



72 INTRODUCTION. 

offer is the result of close observation, serious inquiry, much 
reading, and long and repeated consideration. 

It is not improbable that he may be accused of deviating 
from his proper line, and of impertinently interfering in the 
concerns of a profession, to which he does not belong. If it 
were necessary, however, to defend himself against this 
charge, he might shelter himself under the authority of many 
most respectable examples. But to such an accusation 
surely it may be sufficient to reply, that it is the duty of every 
man to promote the happiness of his fellow-creatures to the 
utmost of his power ; and that he who thinks he sees many 
around him, whom he esteems and loves, laboring under a 
fatal error, must have a cold heart, or a most confined notion 
of benevolence, if he could withhold his endeavors to set 
them right, from an apprehension of incurring the imputation 
of officiousness. 

But he might also allege, as a full justification, not only 
that religion is the business of ewery one, but that its ad- 
vancement or decline in any country is so intimately con- 
nected with the temporal interests of society, as to render it 
the peculiar concern of a political man ; and that what he 
may presume to offer on the subject of religion may perhaps 
be perused with less jealousy and more candor, from the 
very circumstance of its having been written by a Layman, 
which must at least exclude the idea, an idea sometimes il- 
liberally suggested to take off the effect of the works of Ec- 
clesiastics, that it is prompted by motives of self-interest, or 
of professional prejudice. 

But if the writer's apology should not be found in the work 
itself, and in his avowed motive of undertaking it, in vain 
would he endeavor to satisfy his readers by any excuses ; 
he will therefore proceed, without farther preamble, to lay be- 
fore them a general statement of his design. 

The main object which he has in view is, not to con- 
vince the sceptic, or to answer the arguments of persons 
who avowedly oppose the fundamental doctrines of our reli- 
gion ; but to point out the scanty and erroneous system of 



INTRODUCTION. 73 

the bulk of those who belong to the class of orthodox Chris- 
tians, and to contrast their defective scheme with a repre- 
sentation of what the author apprehends to be real Chris- 
tianity. Often has it filled him with deep concern, to ob- 
serve in this description of persons, scarcely any distinct 
knowledge of the real nature and principles of the religion 
which they profess. The subject is of infinite importance ; 
let it not be driven out of our minds by the bustle or dissi- 
pation of life. This present scene, with all its cares and 
all its gaieties, will soon be rolled away, and * we must 
stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.' This awful 
consideration will prompt the writer to express himself with 
greater freedom than he should otherwise be disposed to 
use. And he trusts that this consideration, while it justi- 
fies its frankness, will secure to him a serious and patient 
perusal. 

But it would be trespassing on the indulgence of the 
reader to detain him with introductory remarks. Let it 
only be further premised, that if what shall be stated, should 
to any appear needlessly austere and rigid, the writer must 
lay in his claim, not to be condemned, without a fair inquiry 
whether his statements do or do not accord with the language 
of tlie sacred writings. To that test he refers with confi- 
dence. And it must be conceded by those who admit the 
authority of Scripture, that from the decision of the word of 
God there can be no appeal. 



A PRACTICAL VIEW, &c. 



CHAPTER 1. 



INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF 
CHRISTIANITY. 



Popular JVoiions. — Scripture Account.— Ignorance in this 
case criminaL — Two false JVLaxims exposed. 

Popular JVoiions. — Before we proceed to the considera- 
tion of any particular defects in the religious system of the 
bulk of professed Christians, it may be proper to point out 
the very inadequate conception which they entertain of the 
importance of Christianity in general, of its peculiar nature, 
and superior excellence. If we listen to their conversation, 
virtue is praised, and vice is censured ; piety is, perhaps, 
applauded, and profaneness condemned. So far all is well : 
but let any one, who would not be deceived by these ' bar- 
ren generalities,' examine a little more closely, and he will 
find, that not to Christianity in particular, but at best to Reli- 
gion in general, perhaps to mere Morality, their homage is 
intended to be paid. With Christianity, as distinct from 
these, they are little acquainted ; their views of it have been 
so cursory and superficial, that, far from discerning its pe- 
culiar characteristics, they have little more than perceived 
those exterior circumstances which distinguish it from other 
forms of Religion. There are some few facts, and perhaps 
some leading doctrines and principles, of which they cannot 
be wholly ignorant ; but of the consequences, and relations, 



76 PRACTICAL VIEW 

and practical uses, of these, they have few ideas, or none 
at all. 

Does this language seem too strong in speaking of pro- 
fessed Christians ? View then their plan of life and their 
ordinary conduct ; and let us ask, wherein can we discern 
the points of discrimination between them and acknowledg- 
ed unbelievers? In an age wherein it is confessed and la- 
mented that infidelity abounds, do we observe in them any 
remarkable care to instruct their children in the principles 
of the faith which they profess, and to furnish them with 
arguments for the defence of it ? They would blush, on their 
child's coming out into the world, to think him defective in 
any branch of that knowledge, or of those accomplishments, 
which belong to his station in life ; and accordingly these 
are cultivated with becoming assiduity. But he is left to 
collect his religion as he may : the study of Christianity has 
formed no part of his education ; and his attachment to it, 
where any attachment to it exists at all, is, too often, not the 
preference of sober reason and conviction, but merely the re- 
sult of early and groundless prepossession. He was born 
in a Christian country ; of course he is a Christian : his 
father was a member of the Church of England ; so is he. 
When such is the religion handed down among us by he- 
reditary succession, it cannot surprise us to observe young 
men of sense and spirit beginning to doubt altogether of the 
truth of the system in which they have been brought up, and 
ready to abandon a station which they are unable to defend. 
Knowing Christianity chiefly in the difficulties which it 
contains, and in the impossibilities which are falsely imput- 
ed to it, they fall, perhaps, into the company of infidels ; 
where they are shaken by frivolous objections and profane 
cavils, which, had their religious persuasion been grounded 
in reason and argument, would have passed by them * as 
the idle wind.' 

Let us beware before it be too late. No one can say in- 
to what discredit Christianity may hereby grow, at a time 
when the unrestrained intercourse, subsisting among the 
several ranks and classes of society, so much favors the 
general diffusion of the sentiments of the higher orders. To 
a similar ignorance may perhaps be ascribed, in no small 
degree, the success with which, in a neighboring country, 
Christianity has of late years been attacked. Had she not 
been wholly unarmed for the contest, however she might 
have been forced from her untenable posts, and copnp^lled 



i 



OF CHRIStlAKlTY. 77 

to disembarrass herself from her load of encumbrances, she 
never could have been driven altogether out of the field by 
her puny assailants, with all their cavils, and gibes, and sar- 
casms ; for in these consisted the main strength of their 
petty artillery. Let us beware, lest we also suffer from a 
like cause ; nor let it be our crime and our reproach, that 
in schools, perhaps even in colleges, Christianity is almost 
if not altogether neglected. 

It cannot be expected, that they who pay so little regard 
to this great object in the education of their children, should 
be more attentive to it in other parts of their conduct, vrhere 
less strongly stimulated by affection, and less obviously 
loaded with responsibility. They are, of course, therefore, 
little regardful of the state of Christianity in their own coun- 
try ; and still more indifferent about communicating the 
light of divine truth to the nations which still * sit in dark* 
ness.' 

But religion, it may be replied, is not noisy and ostenta- 
tious ; it is modest and private in its nature ; it resides in a 
man's own bosom, and shuns the observation of the raulti- 
lude. Be it so. 

From the transient and distant view, then, which wc have 
been taking of these unassuming Christians, let us approach 
a little nearer, and listen to the unreserved conversation 
of their confidential hours. Here, if any where, the inte- 
rior of the heart is laid open, and we may ascertain the true 
j3rinciples of their regards and aversions ; the scale by 
which they measure the good and evil of life. Here, how- 
ever, you will discover few or no traces of Christianity. 
She scarcely finds herself a place amidst the many objects 
of their hopes, and fears, and joys, and sorrows. Grateful 
perhaps, as well indeed they may be grateful, for health, and 
talents, and affluence, and other temporal possessions, they 
scarcely reckon in the number of their blessings this grand 
distinguishing mark of the bounty of Providence. Or if 
they mention it at all, it is noticed coldly and formally, like 
one of those obsolete claims, to which, though but of small 
account in the estimate of our wealth or power, we think it 
as well to put in our tide, from considerations of family deco- 
rum or of national usage. 

But what more than all the rest establishes the point in 

question : let their conversation take a graver turn. Here 

at length their religion, modest and retired as we are now 

presuming it to be, must be expected to disclose itself, 

7* 



78 PRACTICAL VifcW 

Here however you will look in vain for the religioil 6f Je- 
sus. Their standard of right and wrong is not the standard 
of the Gospel : they approve and condemn by a different 
rule : they advance principles and maintain opinions alto- 
gether opposite to the genius and character of Christianity. 
You would fancy yourself rather among the followers of the 
old schools of philosophy : nor is it easy to guess how any 
one could satisfy himself to the contrary, unless, by mention- 
ing the name of some acknowledged heretic, he should afford 
them an occasion of dernonstrating their zeal for the religion 
of their country. 

The truth is, their opinions on the subject of religion are 
not formed from the perusal of the word of God. The Bible 
lies on the shelf unopened ; and they would be wholly igno- 
rant of its contents, except for what they hear occasionally 
at church, or for the faint traces which their memories may 
still retain of the lessons of their earliest infancy. 

How different, nay, in many respects, how contradictory, 
would be the two systems of mere morals, of which the 
one should be formed from the commonly received maxims 
of the Christian world, and the other from the study of the 
Holy Scriptures ! It would be curious to remark in any one, 
who had hitherto satisfied himself with the former, the as- 
tonishment which would be excited on his first introduc- 
tion to the latter. We are not left here to bare conjecture* 
This was, in fact, the effect produced on the mind of a 
late ingenious writer,^ of whose little w^ork, though it bear 
some marks of his customary love of paradox, we must at 
least confess, that it exposes, in a strong point of view, the 
poverty of that superficial religion which prevails in our 
day ; and that it throughout displays that happy perspicuity 
and grace, which so eminently characterize the composi- 
tions of its author. But after this willing tribute of com- 
niendation, we are reluctantly compelled to remark, that 
the work in question discredits the cause which it was 
meant to serve, by many crude and extravagant positions ; 
a defect from which no one can be secure who forms a 
hasty judgment of a deep and comprehensive subject, the 
several relations of which have been imperfectly sur- 
veyed ; and above all, it must be lamented, that it treats 
the great question which it professes to discuss, rather as a 



* It is almost superfluous to name Mr« Soame Jenyns. 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 79 

matter of mere speculation, than as one wherein our ever- 
lasting interests are involved. Surely the writer's object 
should have been, to convince his readers of their guilt still 
more than of their ignorance, and to leave them impressed 
rather with a sense of their danger than of their folly. 

It were needless to multiply arguments in order to prove 
how criminal the voluntary ignorance, of which we have 
been speaking, must appear in the sight of God. It must 
be confessed by all, who believe that we are accountable 
creatures, and to such only the writer is addressing him- 
self, that we shall have to answer hereafter to the Almighty 
for all the means we have here enjoyed of improving our- 
selves, or of promoting the happiness of others. If, when 
summoned to give an account of our stewardship, we shall 
be called upon to answer for the use which we have made 
of our bodily organs, and of our means of relieving the wants 
of our fellow-creatures ; how much more for the exercise 
of the nobler faculties of our nature, of invention, memory, 
and judgment, and for our employment of every instrument 
and opportunity of diligent application, and serious reflec- 
tion, and honest decision ? And to what subject might 
we in all reason be expected to apply more earnestly, than 
to that wherein our own eternal interests are at issue ? 
When God of his goodness hath vouchsafed to grant us such 
abundant means of instruction, in that which we are most 
concerned to know, how great must be the guilt, and how 
awful the punishment, of voluntary ignorance ! 

And why are we in this pursuit alone to expect know- 
ledge without inquiry, and success without endeavor? The 
whole analogy of nature inculcates a different lesson ; and 
our own judgments in matters of temporal interest and 
worldly policy confirm the truth of her suggestions. Boun- 
tiful as is the hand of Providence, its gifts are not so be- 
stowed as to seduce us into indolence, but to rouse us to ex- 
ertion ; and no one expects to attain to the height of learn- 
ing, or arts, or power, or wealth, or military glory, without 
vigorous resolution, and strenuous diligence, and steady 
perseverance. Yet we expect to be Christians without la- 
bor, study or inquiry ! This is the more preposterous, be- 
cause Christianity, being a revelation from God, and not the 
invention of man, discovering to us new relations, with their 
correspondent duties ; containing also doctrines, motives, 
and precepts, peculiar to itself; we cannot reasonably expect 
to become proficients in it by the accidental intercourses of 



80 PRACTICAL VIEW 

life, as one might learn insensibly the maxims of worldly 
policy, or a scheme of mere morals. 

Scripture Account. — The dihgent perusal of the Holy 
Scriptures would discover to us our past ignorance. We 
should cease to be deceived by superficial appearances, and 
to confound the Gospel of Christ with the systems of phi- 
losophers ; we should become impressed with the weighty 
truth, so much forgotten in the present day, that Christianity 
calls on us, as we value our immortal souls, not merely in 
general, to be reh^ious and moral, but specially to believe 
the doctrines, imbibe the principles, and practise the precepts 
of Christ. It might be to run into too great length to 
confirm this position beyond dispute by express quotations 
from the word of God. And, not to anticipate what be- 
longs more properly to a subsequent part of the work, it 
may be sufficient here to remark in general, that Chris- 
tianity is always represented in Script jre as the grand, 
the unparalleled instance of God's bounty to mankind. 
This unspeakable gift was graciously held forth in the 
original promise to our first parents ; it was predicted by 
a long-continued series of prophets ; the subject of 
their prayers, inquiries, and longing expectations. In 
a world which opposed and persecuted them, it was their 
source of peace, and hope, and consolation. At length it 
approached — the desire of all nations, — the long-expected 
Star announced its presence — a multitude of the heavenly 
host hailed its introduction, and proclaimed its character • 
' Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-will to- 
wards men.' The Gospel is every where represented in 
Scripture by such figures as are most strongly calculated to 
impress on our minds a sense of its value ; it is spoken of as 
light from darkness, as release from prison, as deliverance 
from captivity, as life from death. ' Lord, now lettest thou 
thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy 
salvation !' was the exclamation with which it was wel- 
comed by the pious Simeon ; and it was universally receiv- 
ed among the early converts with thankfulness and joy. At 
one time, the communication of it is promised as a reward • 
at another, the loss of it is threatened as a punishment. 
And short as is the form of prayer taught us by our blessed 
Saviour, the more general extension of the kingdom of 
Christ constitutes one of its leading petitions. 

With what exalted conceptions of the importance of 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 81 

Christianity ought we to be filled by such descriptions as 
these ? Yet, in vain have we * line upon line, and precept 
upon precept.' — Thus predicted, thus prayed and longed 
for, thus announced, characterized, and rejoiced in, this 
heavenly treasure, though poured into our lap in rich abund- 
ance, we scarcely accept. We turn from it coldly, or at best 
possess it negligently, as a thing of no estimation. But a 
due sense of its value would assuredly be impressed upon us 
by the diligent study of the Word of God, that blessed reposi- 
tory of heavenly truth and consolation. Thence it is that 
we are to learn what we ought to believe and what to 
practise. And, surely, one would think that much impor- 
tunity would not be requisite, to induce men to a perusal of 
the sacred volume. Reason dictates, Revelation commands 
— * Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of 
God,' — ' Search the Scriptures,' — ' Be ready to give to 
every one a reason of the hope that is in you ' Such are 
the declarations and injunctions of the inspired writers ; in- 
junctions confirmed by commendations of those who obey 
the admonition. Yet is it not undeniable that with the Bible 
in our houses, we are ignorant of its contents ; and that 
hence, in a great measure, it arises, that the bulk of the 
Christian world know so little, and mistake so greatly, in 
what regards the religion which they profess 1 

Two false Maxims exposed, — This is not the place for in- 
quiring at large, whence it is that those who assent to the po- 
sition, that the Bible is the Word of God, and who profess to 
rest their hopes on the Christian basis, contentedly acquiesce 
in a state of such lamentable ignorance. But it may not be 
improper here to touch on two kindred opinions ; from 
which, in the minds of the more thoughtful and serious, this 
acquiescence appears to derive much secret support. The 
one is, that it signifies little ivhat a man believes ; look to his 
practice. The other (of the same family) that sincerity is all 
in all. Let a man's opinions and conduct be what they may, 
yet, provided he be sincerely convinced that they are right, 
however the exigencies of civil society may require him to be 
dealt with among men, in the sight of God he cannot be 
criminal. 

It would detain us too long fully to set forth the various 
evils inherent in these favorite positions, of which it is 
surely not the least, that they are of unbounded applica- 
tion, comprehending within their capacious limits, most of 
the errors which have been received, and many of the most 



82 PRACTICAL VIEW 

desperate crimes which have been perpetrated among men. 
Of the former of these maxims, we may remark, that it pro- 
ceeds on the monstrous supposition already noticed, that al- 
though accountable creatures, we shall not be called to ac- 
count for the exercise of our intellectual and mental powers. 
Moreover, it is founded on that grossly fallacious assump- 
tion, that a man's opinions will not influence his practice. 
The advocates of this fashionable principle require to be re- 
minded, that the judgment ofien receives a corrupt bias from 
the heart and the affections ; that vice is the fruitful mother 
of prejudice and error. Forgetful of these acknowledged 
truths, and confounding the most important moial distinc- 
tions, they place on the same level those who, carefully 
weeding from their hearts every false principle, occupy them- 
selves in a sincere and warm pursuit of truth ; and those who 
yield themselves implicitly to the opinions, whatever they may 
be, which early prepossession may have infused, or which 
passion or interest, or even acquiescing indolence, may have 
imposed upon their minds. 

The latter of the foregoing maxims, that sincerity is all 
in all, proceeds on this groundless supposition, that the Su- 
preme Being has not afforded us sufficient means of dis- 
criminating truth from falsehood, right from wrong : and it 
implies, that, be a man's opinions or conduct ever so wild 
and extravagant, we are to presume, that they are as much 
the result of impartial inquiry and honest conviction, as if 
his sentiments and actions had been strictly conformable to 
the rules of reason and sobriety. Never indeed was there 
a principle more general in its use, more sovereign in its 
potency. How does its beautiful simplicity also, and com- 
pendious brevity, give it rank before the laborious subtle- 
ties of Bellarmia ! Clement, and Ravaillac, and other wor- 
thies of a similar stamp, from whose purity of intention the 
world has hitherto withheld its due tribute of applause, 
would here have found a ready plea ; and their injured in- 
nocence should now at length receive its full though tardy 
vindication. ' These, however,' it may be replied, ' are 
excepted cases.' Certainly they are cases of which any 
one, who maintains the opinion in question, would be glad 
to disencumber himself, because they clearly expose the 
unsoundness of his principle. But it will be incumbent on 
such a one first to explain with precision why they are to be 
exempted from its operation ; and this he will find an im- 
possible task : for sincerity, in its popular sense, cannot be 
made the criterion of guilt and innocence on any ground, 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 83 

which will not equally serve to justify the assassins who 
have been instanced. The conclusion cannot be eluded : 
no man was ever more fully persuaded of the innocence of 
any action, than those men were convinced, that the horrid 
deed they were about to perpetrate was, not merely lawful, 
but highly meritorious. Thus Clement and Ravaillac be- 
ing unquestionably sincere, they were therefore indubitably 
innocent. Nay, the absurd and pernicious tendency of 
this principle might be shown to be even greater than what 
has yet been stated. It would scarcely be going too far to 
assert, that whilst it scorns the defence of petty villains, 
who still retain the sense of good and evil, it holds forth, 
like some well-frequented sanctuary, a secure asylum to 
more finished criminals, who, from long habits of wicked- 
ness, are lost to the perception no less than to the practice 
of virtue ; and that it selects a seared conscience, and a cal- 
lous heart, and a mind insensible to all moral distinctions, 
as the special objects of its vindication. Nor is it only in 
profane history, that instances are to be found like those 
which we have mentioned, of persons committing the 
greatest crimes with a sincere conviction of the rectitude of 
their conduct. Scripture will afford us parallels ; and it 
was surely to guard us against the very error which 
we have been now exposing, that our blessed Saviour 
forewarned his disciples : ' The time cometh, that whoso- 
ever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.' 

True Sincerity, — A principle like this must then be aban- 
doned, and the advocates for sincerity must be compelled to 
restore this abused term to its genuine signification ; and to 
acknowledge, that it must imply honesty of mind, a faithful 
use of the means of knowledge and improvement, a desire 
of being instructed, humble inquiry, impartial consideration, 
and unprejudiced judgment. It is to these we would ear- 
nestly call you ; and to such dispositions of mind, ever to be 
accompanied with fervent prayer for the divine blessing. 
Scripture every where holds forth the most animating pro- 
mises. » Ask, and ye shall receive ; seek, and ye shall 
find ; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Ho ! every 
one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters.' Such are the 
comfortable assurances, such the gracious encouragements, 
held out to the truly sincere inquirer. How deep will be 
our guilt if we slight all these benevolent offers i ' How- 
many prophets and kings have desired to hear the things that 



84 PRACTICAL VIEW 

we hear, and have not heard them !' Great indeed are our 
opportunities, great also is our responsibility. Let us awake 
to a true sense of our situation. Every consideration is 
presented to us that can alarm our fears, or animate our in- 
dustry. How soon may the brightness of our meridian sun 
be darkened! Or, should the long-suffering of God still 
continue to us the mercies which we so much abuse, this 
will only aggravate our crime, and in the end enhance our 
punishment. The time of reckoning will at length arrive. 
And when finally summoned to the bar of God, to give an 
account of our stewardship, what plea can we have to urge 
in our defence, if we remain willingly and obstinately igno- 
rant of the way which leads to life, with such transcendant 
means of knowing it, and such urgent motives to its pur- 
suit ? 



CHAPTER H. 

CORRUPTION OF HUMAN NATURE. 

Sect. I. 

Inadequate conceptions of the Corruption of Human JVature. 

Popular JVoh*ow5.— After considering the defective notions 
of the importance of Christianity in general, which prevail 
among the higher orders of professed Christians, the particu- 
lar misconce[)tions which first come under our notice, respect 
the corruption and weakness of human nature. This is a 
topic on which it is possible that many into whose hands the 
present work shall fall, may not have bestowed much atten- 
tion. If the case be so, it may be requisite to entreat them 
to lend a patient and a serious ear. The subject is of the 
deepest impert. Nor are we afraid o:' going too far when we 
assert, that it lies at the very root of all true religion, and is 
eminently the basis and ground-work of Christianity. 

So far as the writer has had an opportunity of remark- 
ing, the generality of professed Christians among the higher 
classes, either altogether overlook or deny, or at least great- 
ly extenuate, the corruption and weakness here in question. 
They acknowledge indeed that there is, and ever has been 



OF CHRISTIANITY, 86 

in the world, a great portion of vice and wickedness ; that 
mankind have been ever prone to sensuality and selfishness, 
in disobedience to the more refined and liberal principles ot* 
their nature ; that in all ages and countries, in public and in 
private life, innumerable instances have been afforded ot 
oppression, of rapacity, of cruelty, of fraud, of envy, and of 
malice. They own that it is too often in vain that you in- 
form the understanding, and convince the judgment. They 
admit that you do not thereby reform the hearts of men. 
Though they know their duty, they will not practise it : no, 
not even when you have forced them to acknowledge that 
the path of virtue is also that of real interest, and of solid 
enjoyment. 

These facts are certain ; they cannot be disputed ; and 
they are at the same time so obvious, that one would have 
thought the celebrated apothegm of the Grecian sage, 
' the majority are wicked,' would scarcely have established 
his claim to intellectual superiority. 

But though' these effects of human depravity are every 
where acknowledged and lamented, we must not expect to 
find them traced to their true origin. 

Causa latet, vis est notissima. 

Prepare yourself to hear rather of frailty and iniirmity, 
of petty transgressions, of occasional failings, of sudden 
sarprisals, and of such other qualifying terms as may serve 
to keep out of view the true source of the evil, and, with- 
out shocking the understanding, may administer consolation 
to the pride of human nature. The bulk of professed 
Christians are used to speak of man as of a being, who, 
naturally pure, and inclined to all virtue, is sometimes, al- 
most involuntarily, drawn out of the right course, or is over- 
powered by the violence of temptation. Vice with them 
is rather an accidental and temporary, than a constitutional 
and habitual distemper; a noxious plant, which, though 
found to live and even to thrive in the human mind, is not 
the natural growth and production of the soil. 

Far different is the humiliating language of Christianity. 
From it we learn that man is an apostate creature, fallen 
from his high original, degraded in his nature, and depraved 
in his faculties ; indisposed to good, and disposed to evil ; 
prone to vice — it is natural and easy to him ; disinclined to 
8 



86 PRACTICAL VIEW 

virtue — it is difficult and laborious ; he is tainted with sin, 
not slightly and superficially, but radically and to the very 
core. That such is the Scripture account of man, however 
mortifying the acknowledgment of it may be to our pride, 
one would think, if this very corruption itself did not warp 
the judgment, none would be hardy enough to attempt to 
controvert. I know nothing which brings home so forcibly 
to my own feelings the truth of this representation, as the 
consideration of what still remains to us of our primitive 
dignity, when contrasted with our present state of moral de- 
gradation — 

' Into what depth thou seest, • 
From what height fallen.' 

Examine first with attention the natural powers and fa- 
culties of man — invention, reason, judgment, memory ; a 
mind ' of large discourse,' ' looking before and after,' 
reviewing the past, thence determining for the present, and 
anticipating the future ; discerning, collecting, combining, 
comparing ; capable, not merely of apprehending, but of ad- 
miring, the beauty of moral excellence : with fear and hope 
to warm and animate ; with joy and sorrow to solace and 
soften ; with love to attach, with sympathy to harmonize, 
with courage to attempt, with patience to endure, and with 
the power of conscience, that faithful monitor within the 
breast, to enforce the conclusions of reason, and direct and 
regulate the passions of the soul. Truly we must pronounce 
him ' majestic, though in ruin.' * Happy, happy world !' 
would be the exclamation of the inhabitant of some other 
planet, on being told of a globe like ours, peopled with such 
creatures as these, and abounding with situations and occa- 
sions to call forth the multiplied excellences of their nature. 
— * Happy, happy world, with what delight must your great 
Creator and Governor witness your conduct, and what a 
glorious recompense awaits you when your term of proba- 
tion shall have expired I' 

* I bone, quo vertus tua te vocat, i pede fausto, 
Grandia laturus meritorum prsemia.' 

But we have indulged too long in these delightful specu- 
lations ; a sad r^erse presents itself on our survey of the 
actual state of man ; when, from viewing his natural powers, 
we follow him into practice^ and see the uses to which he 
applies them. Take in the whole of the prospect, view him 
in every age, and climate, and nation, in every condition and 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 87 

period of society. Where now do you discover the charac- 
ters of his exalted nature? * How is the gold become dim, 
and the fine gold changed !' How is his reason clouded, 
his affections perverted, his conscience stupefied ! How do 
anger, and envy, and hatred, and revenge, spring up in his 
wretched bosom ! How is he a slave to the meanest of his 
appetites ! What fatal propensities does he discover to evil ! 
What inaptitude to good ! 

Dwell awhile on the state of the ancient world ; not 
merely on that benighted part of it where all lay buried in 
brutish ignorance and barbarism, but on the seats of civil- 
ized and polished nations, on the empire of taste, and learn- 
ing, and philosophy : yet in these chosen regions, with what- 
ever lustre the sun of science poured forth its rays, the moral 
darkness was so thick ' that it might be felt.' Behold their 
sottish idolatries, their absurd superstitions, their want of 
natural affection, their brutal excesses, their unfeeling op- 
pression, their savage cruelty ! Look not to the illiterate 
and the vulgar, but to the learned and refined. Form not 
your ideas from the conduct of the less restrained, and more 
licentious ; you will turn away with disgust and shame from 
the allowed and familiar habits of the decent and the moral. 
St. Paul best states the facts, and furnishes the explanation : 
' Because they did not likie to retam God in their knowledge, 
he gave them over to a reprobate mind.'"^ 



* Exempla duo, quae pravitatis humanse vim animo meo luculentur 
exhibent, non proferre Don possum. Alterum, decens ille Yirgilius, 
alterum Cicero, probus idem verique studiosus, suppeditat. Virgilius, 
innocuam certe pastorum vitam depicturas, ita incipit, 

* Formosum pastor Corydon ardebat Alexim.' 

Cicero in libro de Officiis primo, ubi de actionibus prout inter se 
apte et convenientes sint, loei temporis, et agentis ratione habita, dis- 
serit, argumentum sic illustrat : * Turpe est enim, valdeque vitiosum, 
in re severa, convivip dignum, aut delicatum, aliquem inferre ser- 
monem. Bene Pericles, quum haberet coUegam in praetura Sopho- 
clem poetam, hique de communi officio convenissent, et casu formosus 
puer iJi-scteriret, dixissetque Sophocles, O puerum pulchrum Pericle ! 
At enim, inquit Pericles, prsetorem Sophoclem, decet non solum 
manus, sed etiam oculos abstinentes habere- Atqui hoc idem Sopho- 
cles, si in athletarum probatione dixisset, justa reprehensione cariiis- 
set, tanta tis est, et loci et temporis.^ 

Cluomodo sese res habuisse necesse est, cum vir antiquorum pres- 
tan tissimis adscribendus, philosophiam, immo mores et officia trac- 
ttins, talia doceret ! Gtualem sibi ipse virtutis normam proposuerat, 
s ais liquet. Vide inter alia, jwsfa reprehensione^ <^c. et tanta vi$ estf 
&c, &c. 



88 PRACTICAL VIEW 

Now direct your view to another quarter, to the inhabi- 
tants of a new hemisphere, where the baneful practices and 
contagious example of the old world had never travelled. 
Surely, among these children of nature we may expect to 
find those virtuous tendencies, for which we have hitherto 
looked in vain ! Alas ! our search will still be fruitless ! 
They are represented by the historian of America, whose 
account is more favorable than tho?e of some other great 
authorities, as being a compound of pride, indolence, selfish- 
ness, cunning, and cruelty;* full of a revenge which nothing 
Could satiate, of a ferocity which nothing could soften ; 
strangers to the most amiable sensibilities of nature, t They 
appeared incapable of conjugal affection, or parental fond- 
ness, or filial reverence, or social attachments ; uniting too 
with their state of barbarism, many of the vices and weak- 
nesses of polished society. Their horrid treatment of cap- 
tives taken in war, on whose bodies they feasted after put- 
ting them to death by the most cruel tortures, is so well 
known, that we may spare the disgusting recital. No com- 
mendable qualities reheve this gloomy picture, except forti- 
tude, and perseverance, and zeal for the welfare of their 
little community ; if this last quality, exercised and directed 
as it was, can be thought deserving of commendation. 

But you give up the heathen nations as indefensible, and 
wish rather to form your estimate of man from a view of 
countries which have been blessed with the light of Revela- 
tion. True it is, and with joy let us record the conces- 
sion, Christianity has set the general tone of morals much 
higher than it was ever found in the Pagan world. She has 
every where improved the character of man, and multiplied 
the comforts of society, particularly to the poor and the 
weak, whom from the beginning she professed to take un- 
der her special patronage. Like her divine Author, " who 
sends his rain on the evil and on the good," she showers 
down unnumbered blessings on thousands who profit from 
her bounty, while they forget or deny her power, and set at 
nought her authority. Yet even in this more favored situ- 
ation we shall discover too many lamentable proofs of the 
depravity of man. Nay, this depravity will now become 



♦ Robertson, Vol ii. p. 130. 

t Ibid. Book iv. Sect. 2. Head, Condition of Women, Vol. n. 
8yo. 90, 91. 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 89 

even inore apparent and less excusable. For what bars 
does it not now overleap] Over what motives is it not now 
victorious ? Consider well the superior light and advan- 
tages which we enjoy, and then appreciate the superior ob- 
ligations which are imposed on us. Consider in how many 
cases our evil propensities are now kept from breaking 
forth, by the superior restraints under which vice is laid 
among us by positive laws, and by the amended standard of 
public opinion; and we may be assisted in conjecturing 
what force is to be assigned to these motives, by the dread- 
ful proofs which have been lately exhibited in a neighbor- 
ing country, that when their influence is withdrawn, the 
most atrocious crimes can be perpetrated shamelessly and 
in the face of day. Consider then the superior excellence 
of our moral code, the new principles of obedience fur- 
nished by the Gospel, and above all, the awful sanction 
which the doctrines and precepts of Christianity derive 
from the clear discovery of a future state of retribution, and 
from the annunciation of that tremendous day, ' when we 
shall stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.' Yet, in 
spite of all our knowledge, thus enforced and pressed home 
by so solemn a notice, how little has been our progress in 
virtue ! It has been by no means such as to prevent the 
adoption, in our days, of various maxims of antiquity, 
which, when well considered, too clearly establish the de- 
pravity of man. It may not be amiss to adduce a few in- 
stances in proof of this assertion. It is now no less ac- 
knowledged than heretofore, that prosperity hardens the 
heart : that unlimited power is ever abused, instead of be- 
ing rendered the instrument of diffusing happiness ; that 
habits of vice grow up of themselves, whilst those of virtue 
are of slow and diflicult formation ; that they who draw the 
finest pictures of virtue, and seem most enamored of her 
charms, are often the least under her influence, and by the 
merest trifles are drawn aside from that line of conduct 
which they most seriously recommend to others : that all 
this takes place, though most of the pleasures of vice are 
to be found with less alloy in the paths of virtue ; whilst, at 
the same time, these paths afford superior and more exquisite 
delights, peculiar to themselves, and are free from the dis- 
eases and bitter remorse, at the price of which vicious grati- 
fications are so often purchased. 

It may suffice to touch very slightly on some other argu- 
ments which it would hardly be right to leave altogether 

8* 



90 PRACTICAL VIEW 

unnoticed. One of these, the justice of which, howevet 
denied by superficial moralists, parents of strict principles 
can abundantly testify, may be drawn from the perverse and 
froward dispositions perceivable in children, the correction 
of which too often baffles the most strenuous efforts of the 
wise and good. Another may be drawn from the various 
deceits we are apt to practise on ourselves, to which no one 
can be a stranger who has ever contemplated the operations 
of his own mind with serious attention. To the influence 
of this species of corruption it has been in a great degree 
owing, that Christianity itself has been too often disgraced. 
The gospel of peace has been turned into an engine of cru- 
elty, and amidst the bitterness of persecution, every trace 
has disappeared of the mild and beneficent spirit of the re- 
ligion of Jesus. In what degree must the taint have 
wrought itself into the frame, and corrupted the habit, when 
the most wholesome nutriment can be thus converted into 
the deadliest poison ! Wishing always to argue from such 
premises as are not only really sound, but from such as 
cannot even be questioned by those to whonj this work is 
addressed, little was said in representing the deplorable 
state of the heathen world, respecting their defective and 
unworthy conceptions in what regards the Supreme Being, 
who even then ' left not himself without witness, but 
gave them rain and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts with 
food and gladness.' But surely to any who call themselves 
Christians, it may be justly urged as an astonishing instance 
of human depravity, that we ourselves, who enjoy the full 
light of Revelation ; to whom God has vouchsafed such 
clear discoveries of what we are concerned to know of his 
being and attributes ; who profess to believe ' that in him 
we Hve, and move, and have our being ;' that to him we 
owe all the comforts we here enjoy, and the offer of eter- 
nal glory, purchased for us by the atoning blood of his ov»'n 
Son, ' thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift ;' that 
we, thus loaded with mercies, should be continually charge- 
able with forgetting his authority, and being ungrateful for his 
benefits ; with slighting his gracious proposals, or at best 
receiving them with cold and unaffected hearts. 

But to put the question concerning the natural depravity 
of man to the severest test ; take the best of the human 
species, the watchful, self-denying Christian, and let him 
decide the controversy : not by inferences drawn from the 
practices of a thoughtless and dissolute world, but by an 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 91 

appeal to his personal experience. Go with him into his 
closet ; ask him his opinion of the corruption of the heart ; 
and he will tell you, that he is deeply sensible of its pow- 
er, for that he has learned it from much self-observation 
and long acquaintance with the workings of his own mind. 
He will tell you, that every day strengthens this convic- 
tion ; yea, that hourly he sees fresh reason to deplore his 
want of simplicity in intention, his infirmity of purpose, 
his low views, his selfish unworthy desires, his backward- 
ness to set about his duty, his languor and coldness in per- 
forming it : that he finds himself obliged continually to con- 
fess, that he feels within him two opposite principles, and 
that ' he cannot do the things that he would.' He cries 
out in the language of the excellent Hooker : " The little 
fruit which we have in holiness, it is, God knoweth, cor- 
rupt and unsound : we put no confidence at al) in it, we 
challenge nothing in the world for it, we dare not call God 
to reckoning, as if we had him in our debt-books ; our con- 
tinual suit to him is, and must be, to bear with our infirmi- 
ties, and pardon our offences,' 

Such is the moral history, such the condition of man. 
The figures of the piece may vary, and the coloring may 
"sometimes be of a darker, sometimes of a lighter hue ; but 
the principles of the composition, the grand outlines, are ev- 
ery where the same. Wherever we direct our view, we 
discover the melancholy proofs of our depravity ; whether 
we look to ancient or modern times, to barbarous or civil- 
ized nations, to the conduct of the world around us, or to 
the monitor within the breast ; whether we read, or hear, 
or act, or think, or feel, the same humiliating lesson is 
forced upon us, 

Jupiter est quodciinque vides, quocuiique moveris. 

Now, when we look back to the picture which was for- 
merly drawn of the iiaiural powers of man, and compare this 
his actual state with that for which, tVom a consideration of 
those powers, he seems to have been originally designed, 
how are we to account for the astonishing contrast ! Will 
frailty or infirmity, or occasional lapses, or sudden surprisals, 
or any such qualifyimg terms, convey an adequate idea of 
the nature of the distemper, or point out its cause? How, 
on any principles of common reasoning, can we account for 
it, but by conceiving that man, since he came out of th« 



92 J^RACtlCAL VIEW 

hands of his Creator, has contracted a taint, and that the 
venom of this subtle poison has been communicated through- 
out the race of Adam, every where exhibiting inconteslible 
marks of its fatal maHgnity ? Hence it has arisen, that the 
appetites deriving new strength, and the powers of reason 
and conscience being weakened, the latter have feebly and 
impotently pleaded against those forbidden indulgences 
which the former have solicited. Sensual gratifications and 
illicit affections have debased our nobler powers, and indis- 
posed our hearts to the discovery of God, and to the consid- 
eration of his perfections ; to a constant willing submission 
to his authority, and obedience to his laws. By a repetition 
of vicious acts, evil habits have been formed within us, and 
have rivetted the fetters of sin. Left to the consequences 
of our own folly, the understanding has grown darker, and 
the heart more obdurate ; reason has at length betrayed her 
trust, and even conscience herself has aided the delusion, 
till, instead of deploring our miserable condition, we have 
too often hugged our chains, and even gloried in our igno- 
minious bondage. 

Such is the general account of the progress of vice, 
where it is suffered to attain to its full growth in the human 
heart. The circumstances of individuals indeed will be 
found to differ : to continue a figure so exactly descriptive of 
the case, the servitude of some is more rigorous than that 
of others, their bonds more galling, their degradation more 
complete. Some too have for a while appeared almost to 
have escaped from their confinement ; but none are alto- 
gether free ; all, without exception, in a greater or less de- 
gree, bear about them more visiblyor more concealed, the 
disgraceful marks of their captivity. 

Such, on a full and fair investigation, must be confessed 
to be the state of facts ; and how can this be accounted for 
on any other supposition, than that of some original taint, 
some radical principle of corruption 1 All other solutions are 
unsatisfactory, whilst the potent cause which has been assign- 
ed, does abundantly, and can alone sufficiently, account for 
the effect. It appears then, that the corruption of human na- 
ture is proved by the same mode of reasoning, as that which 
hath been deemed conclusive in establishing the existence 
of the principle of gravitation and in ascertaining its laws; 
that the doctrine rests on that solid basis on which Newton 
hath raised the superstructure of his sublime philosophy ; 
that it is not a mere speculation ; an uncertaia, though per- 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 93 

haps an ingenious theory, but the sure result of large and 
actual experiment ; deduced fron^i incontestible facts, and 
still more fully approving its truth by harmonizing with the 
several parts, and accounting for the various phenomena, 
jarring otherwise, and inexplicable, of the great system of the 
universe. 

Here, however, Revelation interposes, and sustains the 
fallible conjectures of our unassisted reason. The Holy 
Scriptures speak of us as fallen creatures; in almost every 
p;3ge we shall find something that is calculated to abate the 
loftiness, and silence the pretensions, of man. ' The ima- 
gination of man's heart is evil from his youth.' 'What 
is man, that he should be clean ? and he which is born of 
a woman, that he should be righteous ?''^ * How much 
more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity 
like water ?'f A The Lord looked down from heaven upon 
the children of men, to see if there were any that did un- 
derstand, and seek God. They are all gone aside ; they 
are altogether become filthy: there is none that doeth 
good, no, not one. 'J ' Who can say, I have made my heart 
clean, I am pure from my sin ?'§ 'The heart is deceitful 
above all things, and desperately wicked : who can know 
it?' 'Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, and in sin 
hath my mother conceived me.' ' We were by nature the 
children of wrath, even as others, fulfilling the desires of 
the flesh and of the mind.' ' wretched man that I am, 
who shall deliver me from the body of this death 1' — Pas- 
sages might be multiplied upon passages, which speak the 
same language, and these again might be illustrated and 
confirmed by various other considerations, drawn from the 
same sacred source ; such as those which represent a 
thorough change, a renovation of our nature, as being neces- 
sary to our becoming true Christians ; or which are suggest- 
ed by observing that holy men refer their good dispositions 
and affections to the immediate agency of the Supreme 
Being. 

* Job XV. 14. I Psalm xiv. 2, 3. 

t Ibid. 16. § Prov. xx. 9. 



94 Practical view 

Sect. II. 
Evil Spirit, — JYatural slate of JMan, 

But the word of God instructs us that we have to contend 
not only with our own natural depravity, but with the power 
of darkness, the Evil Spirit, who rules in the hearts of 
the wicked, and whose donninion we learn from Scripture to 
be so general, as to entitle him to the denomination of ' the 
Prince of this world.' There cannot be a stronger proof 
of the difference which exists between the religious system 
of the Scriptures, and that of ihe bulk of nominal Christians, 
than the proof which is afforded by the subject now in ques- 
tion. The existence and agency of the Evil Spirit, though 
so distinctly and repeatedly affirmed in Scripture, are almost 
universally exploded in a country which professes to admit 
the authority of the sacred volume. Some other Doctrines 
of Revelation, the force and meaning of which are com- 
monly in a great degree explained away, are yet conceded 
in general terms. But this seems almost on the point of 
being universally abandoned, as a post no longer tenable. It 
is regarded as an evanescent prejudice which it would now 
be a discredit to any man of understanding to believe. 
Like ghosts and witches and other phantoms, which haunted 
the night of superstition, it cannot in these more enlightened 
times stand the test of our severer scrutiny. To be suffered 
to pass away quietly, is as much as it can hope for ; and it 
might rather expect to be laughed off the stage as a just ob- 
ject of contempt and derision. 

But although the Scripture doctrine concerning the Evil 
Spirit is thus generally exploded, yet were we to consider 
the matter seriously and fairly, we should probably find 
ground for believing that there is no better reason for its 
being abandoned, than ttiat many absurd stories, concerning 
spirits and apparitions, have been commonly propagated 
amongst weak and credulous people ; and that the Evil 
Spirit not being the object of our bodily eyes, it would argue 
the same weakness to give credit to the doctrine of its exis- 
tence and agency. But to be consistent ourselves, we 
might almost as well, on the same principle, deny the reali- 
ty of all other incorporeal beings. What is there, in truth, 
in the doctrine, which is in itself improbable, or which is 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 96 

not confirmed by analogy ? We see, in fact, that there arc 
wicked men, enemies to God, and malignant towards their 
fellow-creatures, who take pleasure, and often succeed, in 
seducing others to the commission of evil. Why then 
should it be deemed incredible, that there may be spiritual 
intelligences of similar propensities, who may, in like man- 
ner, be permitted to tempt men to the practice of sin ? 
Surely we may retort upon our opponents the charge of ab- 
surdity, and justly accuse them of gross inconsistency, in 
admitting, without difficulty, the existence and operation of 
these qualities in a being like man, compounded of matter 
and spirit, and yet denying them in a purely spiritual being, 
in direct contradiction to the authority of Scripture, which 
they allow to be conclusive, when they cannot pretend 
for a moment that there is any thing belonging to the nature 
of matter, to which these qualities naturally adhere. 

But it is needless to dilate further on a topic which, how- 
ever it may excite the ridicule of the inconsiderate, will sug- 
gest matter of serious apprehension to all who form their 
opinions on a sincere and impartial examination of the word 
of God. It fills up the measure of our natural misery and 
helplessness. Such then being our condition, thus deprav- 
ed, and weakened within, and tempted from without, it 
may well fill our hearts with anxiety to reflect, ' that the 
day Will come,' when ' the Heavens being on fire shall be 
dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat ;' 
' when the dead, small and great, shall stand before the 
tribunal of God,' and we shall have to give account of all 
things done in the body. We are naturally prompted to 
turn over the page of Revelation with solicitude, in order to 
discover the attributes and character of our Judge ; but these 
only serve to turn painful apprehension into fixed and certain 
terror. 

First with regard to the attributes of our Judge. As all 
nature bears witness to his irresistible power, so we read in 
Scripture that nothing can escape his observation, or elude 
his discovery ; not only our actions, but our most secret 
cogitations are open to his view. ' He is about our path and 
about our bed, and spieth out all our ways.' ' The Lord 
searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of 
the thoughts.' ' And he will bring to light the hidden things 
of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart.' 

Now hear his character, and the rule of his award. 
* Psalm cxxxix. 3. f 1 Chron. xxviii. 9, 



96 fJlACTICAL VIEW 

• The Lord our God is a consuming fire, even a jealous 
God.'- — ' He is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity.' — 

* The soul that sinneih, it shall die.' — * The wages ot^ 
sin is death.' — ' Without holiness no nnan shall see the 
Lord.' These positive declarations are enforced by the ac- 
counts which, for our warning, we read in sacred history, 
of the terrible vengeance of the Almighty: His punishment 
of ' the angels who kept not their first estate, and whom 
he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto 
the judgment of the great day :' The fate of Sodom and 
Gomorrah : The sentence issued against the idolatrous na- 
tions of Canaan, and of which the execution was assigned 
to the Israelites, by the express command of God, at their 
own peril in case of disobedience : The ruin of Babylon, of 
Tyre, of Nineveh, and of Jerusalem, prophetically denoun- 
ced as the punishment of their crimes, and taking place in 
an exact and terrible accordance with the divine predictions. 
Surely these examples may suffice to confound that falla- 
cious confidence, which, presuming on the Creator's know- 
ledge of our weakness, and his disposition to allow for it, 
should allege, that instead of giving way to gloomy appre- 
hensions, we might throw ourselves, in full assurance of 
hope, on the infinite benevolence of the Supreme Being. 
It is true, indeed, that with the threatenings of the word of 
God, there are mixed many gracious declarations of pardon, 
on repentance and thorough amendment. But alas I who 
is there among us whose conscience must not reproach him 
with having trifled with the long-suffering of God, and with 
having but ill kept the resolutions of amendment which had 
been formed in the seasons of recollection and re- 
morse ? — x\nd how is the disquietude naturally excited by 
such a retrospect, confirmed and heightened by passages 
like these ? ' Because I have called, and ye refused ; I 
have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded ; hut ye 
have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my 
reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity, 1 will mock 
when your fear comeih ; when your fear comcth as derioki- 
tion, and your destruction comeih as a whirlwind ; when 
distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they 
call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me 
early, but they shall not find me : for that they hated know- 
ledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord.' The ap- 
prehensions, which must be excited by thus reading the re- 
corded judgments and awful language of Scripture, are con- 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 97 

firmed to the inquisitive and attentive mind by a close ob- 
servation of the moral constitution of the world. In fact, 
all that has been suggested of the final consequences of vice, 
is strictly analogous to what we may observe in the ordinary 
course of human affairs ; from a careful survey of which it 
will appear, that God hath established such an order of 
causes and effects, as, however interrupted here below, by 
hindrances and obstructions apparently of a temporary na- 
ture, loudly proclaim the principles of his moral government, 
and strongly suggest that vice and imprudence will finally 
terminate in misery."^ Not that this species of proof was 
wanted ; for that which we must acknowledge, on weighing 
the evidence, to be a revelation from God, requires not the 
aid of such a confirmation : but yet, as this accordance 
might be expected between the words and the works of the 
same Almighty Being, it is no idle speculation to remark, 
that the visible constitution of things in the world around 
us, falls in with the scriptural representations of the dreadful 
consequences of vice, nay, even of what is commonly termed 
inconsiderateness and imprudence. 

Ckristianity breaks in, — If such, then, be our sad condi- 
tion, what is to be done ? Is there no hope ? Nothing left for 
us *but a fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indigna- 
tion, which shall devour the adversaries'?' Blessed be God ! 
we are not shut up irrecoverably in this sad condition : 
' Turn you to the strong hold, ye prisoners of hope ;' hear one 
who proclaims his designation, ' to heal the broken-hearted, 
to preach liberty to the captives, and recovering of sight to 
the blind.' They who have formed a true notion of their lost 
and helpless state, will most gladly listen to the sound, and 
most justly estimate the value, of such a deliverance. And 
hence appears the importance of not passing over in a cur- 
sory manner, those important topics of the original and su- 
perinduced corruption and weakness of man ; a discussion 
painful and humiUating to the pride of human nature, to 
which the mind listens with difficulty, nay, with a mixture 
of anger and disgust ; but well suited to our case, and like 
the distasteful lessons of adversity, permanently useful in 
its consequences. 

Practical importance and uses of the doctrine of Human 
Corruption. — It is here, never let it be forgotten, that our 
foundation must be laid ; otherwise our superstructure, 

* Vide Butler's Analogy. 
.9 



98 PRACTICAL VIEW 

whatever we may think of it, will one day prove tottering 
and insecure. This therefore is not a metaphysical specu- 
lation, but a practical matter. Slight and superficial con- 
ceptions of our state of natural degradation, and of our in- 
sufficiency to recover from it by our own unassisted pow- 
ers, fall in too well with our natural inconsiderateness, and 
produce that fatal insensibility to the divine threatenings 
which we cannot but observe to prevail generally. Hav- 
ing no due sense of the malignity of our disease, and of its 
dreadful issue, we do not set ourselves to work in earnest to 
obtain the remedy, and it can only be thus obtained ; for let 
it be remembered, that deliverance is not forced on us, but 
offered to us ; we are furnished indeed with every help, and 
are always to bear in mind, that we are unable of ourselves 
to will or to do rightly, but we are plainly admonished to 
'workout our own salvation with fear and trembling;' — 
to be w^atchful, ' because we are encom.passed with dan- 
gers ;' — to ' put on the whole armor of God,' because 
* we are beset with enemies.' 

Practical advice respecting it, and its practical uses. — 
May we be enabled to shake off that lethargy which is so 
apt to creep upon us ! For this end, a deep practical con- 
viction of our natural depravity and weakness will be found 
of eminent advantage. As it is by this we must at first be 
roused from our fallacious security, so by this we must be 
kept wakeful and active unto the end. Let us therefore 
make it our business to have this doctrine firmly seated in 
our understandings, and radically implanted in our hearts. 
With a view to our conviction of the truth of this doctrine, 
we should seriously and attentively consider the firm grounds 
on which it rests. It is plainly made known to us by the 
light of nature, and irresistibly enforced on us by the dic- 
tates of our unassisted understandings. But lest there 
should be any so obstinately dull, as not to discern the force 
of the evidence suggested to our reason, and confirmed by 
all experience, or rather so heedless as not to notice it, the 
authoritative stamp of Revelation is superadded, as we 
have seen, to complete the proof; and we must therefore 
be altogether inexcusable, if we still remain unconvinced 
by such an accumulated mass of argument. 

But it is not sufficient to assent to the doctrine, we must 
also feel it. To this end, let the power of habit be called 
in to our aid. Let us accustom ourselves to refer to our 
natural depravity, as to their primary cause, the sad instan.. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 99 

ces of vice and folly of which we read, or v/hich we see 
around us, or to which we feel the propensities in our own 
bosoms ; ever vigilant and distrustful of ourselves, and 
looking with an eye of kindness and pity on the faults and 
infirmities of others, whom we should learn to regard with 
the same tender concern as that with which the sick are 
used to sympathize with those who are suffering under the 
same distemper. This lesson once well acquired, we shall 
feel the benefit of it in all our future progress; and though 
it be a lesson which we are slow to learn, it is one in which 
study and experience, the incidents of every day, and every 
fresh observation of the workings of our own hearts, will 
gradually concur to perfect us. Let it not, after all, then, 
be our reproach, and at length our ruin, that these abun- 
dant means of instruction are possessed in vain. 

Sect. III. 

Corruption of Human JYature. — Objection. 

Objection : — thai our corruption and weakness being na* 
iural to us, ivill be excused and altoived for—stated and 
considered. — But there is one difficulty still behind, more 
formidable than all the rest. The pride of man is loth to be 
humbled. Forced to abandon the plea of innocence, and 
pressed so closely that he can no longer escape from the 
conclusion to which we would drive him, some more bold 
objector faces about and stands at bay, endeavouring to jus- 
tify what he cannot deny. ' Whatever I am,' he contends, 
' I am what my Creator made me. I inherit a nature, you 
yourself confess, depraved, and prone to evil : how then can 
I withstand the temptations to sin by which I am environed ? 
If this plea cannot establish my innocence, it must excuse 
or at least extenuate my guilt. Frail and weak as I am, a 
Being^of infinite justice and goodness will never try me by 
a rule, which, however equitable in the case of creatures of 
a higher nature, is altogether disproportionate to mine.' 

Let not my readers be alarmed ! The writer is not going 
to enter into the discussion of the grand question concern- 
ing the origin of moral evil, or to attempt to reconcile its 
existence and consequent punishment with the acknow- 
ledged attributes and perfections of God. These are ques- 
tions, of which, if one may judge from the little success 
with which the acutest and profoundest reasoners have been 



00 PRACTICAL VIEW 

ever laboring to solve the difficulties they contain, the full 
and clear comprehension is above the intellect of man. 
Yet, as the objection above mentioned is sometimes heard 
from the mouths of professed Christians, it must not be 
passed by without a few short observations. 

Were the language in question to be addressed to us by 
an avowed sceptic, though it might not be very difficult to 
expose to him the futility oi' his reasonings, we should al- 
most despair of satisfying him of the soundness of our own. 
We should perhaps suggest impossibilities, which might 
stand in the way of such a system as he would establish : 
arguing from concessions which he would freely make, we 
might indeed point out wherein hispre-conceptions concern- 
ing the conduct of the Supreme Being, had been in fact al- 
ready contradicted, particularly by the undeniable existence 
of natural or moral evil: and if thus proved erroneous in one 
instance, why might they not be so likewise in another ? 
But though by these and similar arguments we might at length 
silence our objector, we could not much expect to bring him 
over to our opinions. We should probably do better, if we 
were to endeavor rather to draw him off from those dark 
and slippery regions, slippery in truth they are to every hu- 
man foot, and to contend with him, where we might tread 
with firmness and freedom on sure ground, and in the light 
of day. Then we might fairly lay before him all the various 
arguments for the truth of our holy religion ; arguments 
which have been sufficient to satisfy the wisest, and the best, 
and the ablest of men. We might afterwards insist on the 
abundant confirmation Christianity receives from its being 
exactly suited to the nature and wants of man ; and we 
might conclude with fairly putting it to him, whether all this 
weight of evidence were to be overbalanced by one difficulty, 
on a subject so confessedly high and mysterious, consider- 
ing too that he must allow we see but a part, how small 
a part ! of the universal creation of God, and that our facul- 
ties are wholly incompetent to judge of the schemes of his 
infinite wisdom. This, if the writer may be permitted to 
offer his own judgment, is, at least in general, the best 
mode, in the case of the objection we are now considering, 
of dealing with unbelievers ; and to adopt the contrary plan, 
seems somewhat like that of any one, who, having to con- 
vince some untutored Indian of the truth of the Copernican 
system, instead of beginning with plain and simple proposi- 
tions, and leading him on to what is more abstruse and re- 



05? eMRlSTlANITir-. 101 

mote, should state to him at the outset some startling prob- 
lems, to which the understanding can only yield its slow as- 
sent, when constrained by the decisive force of demonstra- 
tion. The novice, instead of lending himself to such a 
mistaken method of instruction, would turn away in disgust, 
and be only hardened against his preceptor. But it must 
be remembered, that the present work is addressed to those 
who acknowledge the authority of the Holy Scriptures. 
And in order to convince all these, that there is, somewhere 
or other, a fallacy in our objector's reasoning, it will be suf- 
ficient to establish, that, though the word of God clearly as- 
sejits the justice and goodness of the Supreme Being, and 
also the natural depravity of man, yet it no less clearly lays 
down, that this natural depravity shall never be admiited 
as an excuse for sin, but that ' they which have done evil, 
shall rise to the resurrection of damnation.' — ' That the 
wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the people that for- 
get God.' And it is worthy of remark, that, as it is for the 
very purpose of more effectually silencing those unbelieving 
doubts which are ever springing up in the human heart, our 
blessed Saviour, though the messenger of peace and good 
will to man, has again and again repeated these awful denun- 
ciations. 

Nor are the Holy Scriptures less clear and full in guard- 
ing us against supposing our sins, or the dreadful conse- 
quences of them, to be chargeable on God. — ' Let no man 
say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God : for God 
cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man :' 
' The Lord is not willing that any should perish.' And 
in other passages, where the idea is repelled as injurious to 
his character, — ' Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked 
should die ? sahh the Lord God ; and not that he should 
return from his ways, and live V ' For I have no pleasure 
in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God.' In- 
deed almost every page of the word of God contains some 
warning or invitation to sinners ; and ail these, to a conside- 
rate mind, must be unquestionable proofs of our present 
position. 

It has been the more necessary not to leave unnoticed 
the objection which we have been now refuting, because, 
where not admitted to such an unqualified extent as alto- 
gether to take away the moral responsibility of man, and 
when not avowed in the daring language in which it has 
been above stated, it may frequently be observed to exist in 
9* 



102 PRACTICAL VIeW 

an inferior degree : and often, when not distinctly formed 
into shape, it lurks in secret, diffusing a general cloud of 
doubt or unbelief; or lowering our standard of right, or 
whispering fallacious comfortj and producing a ruinous tran- 
quillity. It is of the utmost importance to remark, that 
though the Holy Scriptures so clearly state the natural cor- 
ruption and weakness of man, yet they never, in the remotest 
degree, countenance, but throughout directly oppose, the 
supposition, to which we are often too forward to listen, that 
our natural corruption and weakness will be admitted as 
lowering the demands of divine justice, and in some sort 
palliating our transgressions of the laws of God. It would 
not be difficult to show that such a notion is at war with the 
whole scheme of redemption by the atonement of Christ. But 
perhaps it may be enough, when any such suggestions as 
those which we are condemning force themselves into the 
imagination of a Christian, to recommend it to him to si- 
lence them by what is their best practical answer — that if 
our natural condition be depraved and weak, our tempta* 
tions numerous, and our Almighty Judge infinitely holy, yet 
that the offers of pardon, grace, and strength, to penitent 
sinners, are universal and unlimited. Let it not however 
surprise us, if in all this there seem to be involved difficul- 
ties which we cannot fully comprehend. How many such 
present themselves on all sides ! Scarcely is there an object 
around us, that does not afford endless matter of doubt and 
argument. The meanest reptile which crawls on the earth, 
nay, every herb and flower which we behold, baffles the 
imbecility of our limited inquiries. All nature calls upon 
us to be humble. Can it then be surprising if we are at a 
loss on this question, which respects, not the properties of 
matter, or of numbers, but the councils and ways of him 
whose ' understanding is infinite ;' * whose judgments are 
declared to be unsearchable, and his ways past finding 
out V In this our ignorance, however, we may calmly re* 
pose ourselves on his own declaration, ' that though clouds 
and darkness are round about him, yet righteousness and 
judgment are the habitation of his throne.' Let it also be 
remembered, that if in Christianity some things are diffi- 
cult, that which we are most concerned to know, is plain and 
obvious. To this it is true wisdom to attach ourselves, 
assenting to what is revealed, where it is above our com- 
prehension (we do not say contrary to our reason,) and be- 
lieving it on the credit of what is clearly discerned, and 



OF CHRISTIANItir* 103 

satisfactorily established. In (ruth, we are all perhaps too 
apt to plunge into depths, which it is beyond our power to 
fathom ; and it was to warn us against this very error, that 
the inspired writer, having threatened the people, whom God 
had selected as the objects of his special favor, with the most 
dreadful punishments, if they should forsake the law of the 
Lord, and having introduced surrounding nations as asking 
the meaning of the severe infliction, winds up the whole with 
this instructive admonition : ' Secret things belong unto the 
Lord our God : but those which are revealed belong unto us, 
and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of 
this law.' 

To any one who is seriously impressed with a sense of the 
critical state in which we are here placed, a short and uncer- 
tain space in which to make our peace with God, and this 
little span of life followed by the last judgment, and an eter- 
nity of unspeakable happiness or misery, it is indeed an aw- 
ful and an affecting spectacle, to see men thus busying 
themselves in vain speculations of an arrogant curiosity, and 
trifling with their dearest, their everlasting interests. It is 
but a feeble illustration of this exquisite folly to compare it 
to the conduct of some convicted rebel, who, when brought 
into the presence of his sovereign, instead of seizing the 
occasion to sue for mercy, should even treat with neglect and 
contempt the pardon which should be offered to him, and 
insolently employ himself in prying into his sovereign's de- 
signs, and criticising his counsels. But our case, too simi- 
lar as it is to that of the convicted rebel, differs from it in 
this grand particular, that at the best his success must be 
uncertain, ours, if it be not our own fault, is sure ; and 
while, on the one hand, our guilt is unspeakably greater than 
that of any rebel against an earthly monarch, so on the other, 
we know that our sovereign ' is long-suffering, and easy to 
be entreated :' more ready to grant forgiveness than we to 
ask it. Well then may we adopt the language of the 
poet : 

What better can we do, than prostrate fall 
Before him reverent ; and there confess 
Humbly our faults, and pardon beg ; with tears 
Watering the ground, and with our sighs the air 
Frequenting, sent from hearts contrite, in sign 
Of sorrow unfeigned, and humiliation meek t 

Milton, 



104 PRACTICAL VIEW 



CHAPTER III 



CHIEF DEFECTS OF THE RELIGIOUS SYSTEM OF THE BULK 
OF PROFESSED CHRISTIANS, IN WHAT REGARDS OUR 
LORD JESUS CHRIST, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,— -WITH A 
DISSERTATION CONCERNING THE USE OF THE PASSIONS 
IN RELIGION. 



Sect. I. 



Inadequate conceptions concerning our Saviour and the Holy 

Spirit. 

Leading Doctrines concerning Christ and the Holij 
Spirit^ as stated in Scripture, — That ' God so loved the 
world, as of his tender mercy to give his only Son Jesus 
Christ for our redemption :' 

That our blessed Lord willingly left the glory of the Fa- 
ther, and was made man : 

That 'he was despised and rejected of men, a man of 
sorrows, and acquainted with grief:' 

That ' he was wounded for our transgressions ; that he 
was bruised for our iniquities :' 

That ' the Lord laid on him the iniquity of us ail :' 

That at length * he humbled himself even to the death of 
the cross, for us miserable sinners ; to the end that all who 
with hearty repentance and true faith, should come to him, 
might not perish, but have everlasting life :' 

That he ' is now at the right hand of God, making inter- 
cession' for his people : 

That ' being reconciled to God by the death of his Son, 
we may come boldly unto the throne of grace, to obtain mer- 
cy and find grace to help in time of need :' 

That our heavenly Father ' will surely give his Holy 
Spirit to them that ask him :' 

That ' the Spirit of God must dwell in us ;' and that ' if 
any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his :' 

That by this divine influence * we are to be renewed in 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 105 

knowledge after the image of bim who created us,' and 
' to be filled with the fruits of righteousness, to the praise 
of the glory of his grace ;' — that ' being thus made meet for 
the inheritance of the saints in light,' we shall sleep in 
the Lord ; and that when the last trumpet shall sound, this 
corruption shall pulon incorruplion — and that being at length 
perfected after his likeness, we shall be admitted into his 
heavenly kingdom. 

These are the leading doctrines concerning our Saviour, 
and the Holy Spirit, wh ch are taught in the Holy Scrip- 
tures, and held by the Church of England. The truth of 
them, agreeably to our general plan, will be taken for grant- 
ed. Few of those, who have been used to join in the estab- 
lished form of worship, can have been, it is hoped, so inat- 
tentive, as to be ignorant of these grand truths, which are to 
be found every where dispersed throughout our excellent 
Liturgy. Would to God it could be presumed, with equal 
confidence, that all who assent to them in terms, discern in 
the understanding their force and excellency, and feel their 
power in the affections, and their transforming influence in 
the heart. What lively emotions are they calculated to ex- 
cite in us of deep self-abasement, and abhorrence of our 
sins ; together with humble hope, and firm faith, and 
heavenly joy, and ardent love, and active, unceasing grati- 
tude! 

Popular JVotions. — But here, it is to be feared, will be 
found a grand defect in the religion of the bulk of professed 
Christians ; a defect like the palsy at the heart, which, while 
in its first attack, it changes but little the exterior appearance 
of the body, extinguishes the internal principle of heat and 
motion, and soon extends its benumbing influence to the re- 
motest fibres of the frame. This defect is closely connected 
with that which was the chief subject of the last chapter ; 
' they that be whole need not a physician, but they that are 
sick.' Had we duly felt the burden of our sins, accompanied 
with a deep conviction that the weight of them must finally 
sink us into perdition, our hearts would have danced at the 
sound of the gracious invitation, * Come unto me, all ye 
that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' 
But in those who have scarcely felt their sins as any incum- 
brance, it would be mere affectation to pretend to very ex- 
alted conceptions of the value and acceptableness of the 
proffered deliverance. This pretence, accordingly, is sel- 



106 PRACTICAL VIEW 

dom now kept up ; and the most superficial observer, com- 
paring the sentiments and views of the bulk of the Chris- 
tian world, wilh the articles still retained in their creed, and 
with the strong language of Scripture, must be struck with 
the amazing disproportion. 

To pass over the throng from whose minds religion is 
altogether excluded by the business or the vanities of 
life, how is it with the more decent and moral 1 To what 
criterion shall we appeal 1 Are their hearts really filled 
with these things, and warmed by the love which they are 
adapted to inspire ? Then surely their minds are apt to 
stray to them almost unseasonably; or at least to hasten 
back to them with eagerness, when escaped from the es- 
trangement imposed by the necessary cares and business of 
life. He was a masterly describer of human nature, who 
thus portrayed the characters of an undissembled affec- 
tion : 

'Unstaid and fickle in all other things, 
Save in the constant image of the object 
That is beloved.' 

Shakespeare. 

* And how,' it may be perhaps replied, ' do you know, 
but that the minds of these people are thus occupied 1 
Can you look into the bosoms of men V Let us appeal to 
a test to which we resorted in a former instance. ' Out 
of the abundance of the heart,' it has been pronounced, 
*^the mouth speaketh.' Take these persons then in some 
well selected hour, and lead the conversation to the sub- 
ject of religion. The utmost that can be effected is, to 
bring them to talk of the things in gross. They appear 
lost in generalities ; there is nothing precise and determi- 
nate, nothing which implies a mind used to the contempla- 
tion of its object. In vain you strive to bring them to 
speak on that topic, which one might expect to be ever 
uppermost in the hearts of redeemed sinners. They elude 
all your endeavors ; and if you make mention of it your- 
self, it is received with no very cordial welcome at least, 
if not with unequivocal disgust: it is at the best, a forced 
and formal discussion. The excellence of our Saviour's 
moral precepts, the kindness and simplicity, the self-denial 
and unblemished purity of his life, his patience and meek- 
ness in the hour of death, cannot indeed be spoken of but with 
admiration, when spoken of at all, as they have often ex- 
torted unwilling praise from the most daring and malignant 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 107 

infidels. But are not these mentioned as qualities in the 
abstract, rather than as the perfections and lineaments of 
our patron, and benefactor, and friend, ' who loved us, and 
gave himself for us;' of him * who died for our offences, 
and rose again for our justification ;' * who is even now 
at the right hand of God, making intercession for usV 
Who would think that the kindness, and humanity, and 
self-denial, and patience in suflTering, which we so drily 
commend, had been exerted towards ourselves^ in acts of 
more than finite benevolence, of which ice were to derive 
the benefit ; in condescensions and labors submitted to 
for our sakes ; in pain and ignominy endured for our de- 
liverance ? 

But these grand truths are not suffered to vanish alto- 
gether from our remembrance. Thanks to the compilers 
of our Liturgy, more than to too many of the occupiers of 
our pulpits, they are forced upon our notice in their just 
bearings and connections, as often as we attend the service 
of the church. Yet is it too much to affirm, that, though 
there entertained with decorum, als what belong to the day, 
and place, and occupation, they are yet too generally heard of 
w^ith little interest; like the legendary tales of some venera- 
ble historian, or like other transactions of great antiquity, 
if not of doubtful credit ; which, though important to our 
ancestors, relate to times and circumstances so different 
from our own, that we cannot be expected to take any 
great concern in them ? We hear them therefore with ap- 
parent indifference ; we repeat them almost as it were by 
rote, assuming by turns the language of the deepest humilia- 
tion and of the warmest thankfulness, with a calm unal- 
tered composure ; and when the service of the day is 
ended, they are dismissed altogether from our thoughts, till, 
on the return of another Sunday, a fresh attendance on pub- 
lic worship gives occasion for the renewed expressions of 
our periodical humility and gratitude. In noticing such 
lukewarmness as this, surely the writer were to be pardoned, 
if he were to be betrayed into some warmth of condem- 
nation. The Unitarian and Socinian, indeed, who deny, 
or explain away, the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel, may 
be allowed to feel these grand truths, and to talk of them 
with little emotion. But in those who profess a sincere 
belief in them, this coldness is insupportable. The greatest 
possible services of man to man must appear contempti- 
ble, when compared with * the unspeakable mercies of 



108 PRACTICAL VIEW 

Christ :' mercies so dearly bought, so freely bestowed — a 
deliverance from eternal misery — the gift of a * crown of 
glory that fadeth not away.' Yet, what judgment should 
we form of such conduct, as is here censured, in the case 
of any one, who had received some signal services from a 
fellow-creature ? True love is an ardent and an active prin- 
ciple ; a cold, a dormant, a phlegmatic gratitude, are con- 
tradictions in terms. When these generous affections really 
exist in us in vigor, are we not ever fond of dwelling on 
the value, and enumerating the merits, of our benefactor? 
How are we moved when any thing is asserted to his dis- 
paragement ! How do we delight to tell of his kindness ! 
With what pious care do we preserve any memorial of 
him, which we may happen to possess ! How gladly do we 
seize any opportunity of rendering to him, or to those who 
are dear to him, any little good offices, which, though in 
themselves of small intrinsic worth, may testify the sincerity 
of our thankfulness ! The very mention of his name will 
cheer the heart, and light up the countenance ! — And if he 
be now no more, and if he had made it his dying request, 
that, in a way of his own appointment, we would occasionally 
meet to keep the memory of his person, and of his services, 
in lively exercise ; how should we resent the idea of failing 
in the performance of so sacred an obligation ! 

Such are the genuine characters, such the natural work- 
ings, of a lively gratitude. And can we believe, without do- 
ing violence to the most established principles of human na- 
ture, that where the effects are so different, the internal prin- 
ciple is in truth the same ? 

If the love of Christ be thus languid in the bulk of nominal 
Christians, their joy and trust in him cannot be expected to be 
very vigorous. Here again we find reason to remark, that 
there is nothing distinct, nothing specific, nothing which im- 
plies a mind acquainted with the nature of the Christian's 
privileges, and familiarized with their use; habitually sola- 
cing itself with the hopes held out by the Gospel, and ani- 
mated by the sense of its high endowment^, and its glorious 
reversion. 

Holy SpiriVs Operations, — The doctrine of the sanctifying 
operations of the Holy Spirit, appears to have met with still 
worse treatment. It would be to convey a very inadequate 
idea of the scantiness of the conceptions on this head, of the 
bulk of the Christian world, to affirm merely, that they are too 
little conscious of the inefficacy of their own unassisted en- 



I 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 109 

deavors after holiness of heart and life, and that they are not 
daily employed in humbly and diligently using the appointed 
means for the reception and cultivation of the divine assist- 
ance. We should hardly go beyond the truth in asserting, 
that for the most part their notions on this subject are so 
confused and faint, that they can scarcely be said in any 
fair sense to believe the doctrine at all. 

Language of one who objects against the religous affeC' 
tions toivards our Saviour. — The writer of these sheets is 
by no means unapprized of the objections which he may ex- 
pect from those whose opinions he has been so freely con- 
demning. He is prepared to hear it urged, *that often, 
where there have been the strongest pretences to the reli- 
gious affections, there has been little or nothing of the reality 
of them ; and that, even omitting the instances, which however 
have been but too frequent, of studied hypocrisy, those affec- 
tions which have assumed to themselves the name of religous, 
have been merely the flights of a lively imagination, or the 
working of a heated brain ; in particular, that this love of our 
Saviour, which has been so warmly recommended, is no bet- 
ter thana vain fervor, which dwells only in the disordered 
mind of the enthusiast ; that religion is of a more steady 
nature ; of a more sober and manly quality ; and that she 
rejects with scorn, the support of a mere feeling so vol- 
atile and indeterminate, so trivial and useless, as that with 
which we would associate her ; a feeling varying in different 
men, and even in the same man at different times, accord- 
ing to the accidental flow of the animal spirits*; a feeling, of 
which it may perhaps be said, we are from our very nature 
hardly susceptible towards an invisible being.' 

^nd against the operations of the Holy Spirit, — ' As to 
the operations of the Holy Spirit,' it may probably be 
further urged, * it is perhaps scarcely worth while to spend 
much time in inquiring into the theory, when, in practice 
at least, it is manifest, that there is no sure criterion where- 
by any one can ascertain the reality of them, even in his 
own case, much less in that of another. All we know is, 
that pretenders to these extraordinary assistances, have 
never been wanting to abuse the credulity of the vulgar, and 
to try the patience of the wise. From the canting hypocrites 
and wild fanatics of the last century, to their less dangerous, 
chiefly because less successful, descendants of the present 
day, we hear the same unwarranted claims, the same idle 
10 



110 PRACTICAL VIEW 

tales, the same low cant ; and we may discern not seldom 
the same mean artifices and mercenary ends. The doctrine, 
to say the best of it, can only serve to favor the indolence of 
man ; while professing to furnish him with a compendious 
method of becoming wise and good, it supersedes the ne- 
cessity of his own personal labors. Quitting therefore all 
such slothful and chimerical speculations, it is true wisdom 
to attach ourselves to what is more solid and practical ; to 
the work, which you will not deny to be sufficiently diffi- 
cult to find us of itself full employment, the work of rectify- 
ing the disorders of the passions, and of implanting and cul- 
tivating the virtues of the moral character.' — ' It is the 
service of the understanding which God requires of us, 
which you would degrade into a mere matter of bodily tem- 
perament, and imaginary impulses. You are contending 
for that, which, not only is altogether unworthy of our Di- 
vine Master, but which, with considerate men, has ever 
brought his religion into suspicion and disrepute, and, un- 
der a show of honoring him, serves only to injure and dis- 
credit his cause.' Our objector, warming as he proceeds, 
will perhaps assume a more impatient tone. ' Have not 
these doctrines,' he may exclaim, ' been ever perverted 
to purposes the most disgraceful to the religion of Jesus ] 
if you want an instance, look to the standard of the inquisi- 
tion, and behold the pious Dominicans torturing their miser- 
able victims for the love of Christ^* Or would you rather 
see the effects of your principles on a larger scale, and by 
wholesale^ if the phrase may be pardoned, cast your eyes 
across the Atlantic, and let your zeal be edified by the holy 
activity of Cortez and Pizarro, and their apostles of the 
western hemisphere 1 To what else have been owing the 
extensive ravages of national persecutions, and religious 
wars and crusades ; whereby rapacity, and pride, and cru- 
elty, sheltering themselves under the mask of this specious 
principle, have so often afflicted the world ? The Prince of 
Peace has been made to assume the port of a ferocious con- 
queror, and forgetting the message of good-will to men, has 
issued forth, like a second Scourge of the Earth,| to plague 
and desolate the human species. 

Reply to the above Mlegaiions, — That the sacred name 
of religion has been too often prostituted to the most 



* This was the motto on their banner. 

t Title of Attila, a king of the Huns, wl:ose desolating ravages 
are well known. 



OF CHRIStlANITY. Ill 

detestable purposes ; that furious bigots, and bloody per- 
secutors, and self-interested hypocrites of all qualities 
and dimensions, from the rapacious leader of an army, 
to the canting oracle of a congregation, have falsely 
called themselves Christians, are melancholy and humil- 
iating truths, which (as none can so deeply lament them) 
none will more readily admit than they who best under- 
stand the nature of Christianity, and are most concerned for 
her honor. We are ready to acknowledge also, without 
dispute, that the religious affections, and the doctrine of di- 
vine assistance, have at all times been more or less disgrac- 
ed by the false pretences and extravagant conduct of wild 
fanatics and brain-sick enthusiasts. All this, however, is 
only as it happens in other instances, wherein the depravity 
of man perverts the bounty of God. Why is it here only to 
be made an argument, that there is danger of abuse? So 
is there also in the case of every operative principle, whe- 
ther in the natural or moral world. Take, for an instance, 
the powers and properties of matter. These were doubt- 
less designed by Providence for our comfort and well-be- 
ing; yet they are often misapplied to trifling purposes, 
and still more frequently turned into so many agents of mis- 
ery and death. On this fact, indeed, is founded the well- 
known maxim, not more trite than just, that ' the best things 
when corrupted become the vs^orst ;' a maxim which is pecu- 
liarly just in the instance of religion. For in this case it is 
not merely, as in some others, that a great power, when 
mischievously applied, must be hurtful in proportion to its 
strength : but that the very principle, on which in general we 
depend for restraining and retarding the progress of evil, 
not only ceases to interpose any kindly check, but is pow- 
erfully active in the opposite direction. But will you 
therefore discard religion altogether] It is upon this very 
ground, that the Infidels of a neighboring country have 
lately made war against Christianity ; with what effects the 
world has not now to learn. But suppose religion were 
discarded, then liberty remains to plague the world ; a 
power which, though, when well employed, the dispenser 
of light and happiness, has been often proved, eminently 
proved, in the instance of a neighboring country, to be 
capable, when abused, of becoming infinitely mischievous. 
Well, then, extinguish Liberty. Then what more abused 
by false pretenders, than Patriotism ? Well, extinguish 
Patriotism. But then the wicked career to which we have 



112 PRACTICAL VIEW 

adverted, must have been checked but for Courage. Blot 
out Courage — and so might you proceed to extinguish, one 
by one. Reason, and Speech, and Memory, and all the dis- 
criminating prerogatives of man. But perhaps more than 
enough has been already urged in reply to an objection, 
which is built on ground so indefensible, as that which 
would equally warrant our condemning any physical or 
moral faculty altogether, on account of its being occasionally 
abused. 

As to the position of our opponent, that there is no way 
whereby the validity of any pretensions to the religious 
affections may be ascertained ; it must partly be admitted. 
Doubtless we are not able always to read the hearts of men, 
and to discover their real characters ; and hence it is, that 
we in some measure lie open to the false and hypocritical 
pretences which are brought forward against us so trium- 
phantly. But then these pretences no more prove all simi- 
lar claims to be founded in falsehood and hypocrisy, than 
there having been many false and interested pretenders to 
wisdom and honesty, would prove that there can be no such 
thing as a wise or an honest man. We do not argue thus 
but where our reason is under a corrupt bias. Why should 
we be so much surprised and scandalized, when these im- 
postors are detected in the church of Christ? It is no more 
than our blessed Master himself taught us to expect ; and 
when the old difficulty is stated, * Didst thou not sow 
good seed in thy field, whence then hath it tares V his 
own answer furnishes the best solution — ' an enemy hath 
done this.' — Hypocrisy is indeed detestable, and enthu- 
siasm sufficiently mischievous to justify our guarding 
against its approaches with jealous care. Yet it may not 
be improper to take this occasion for observing, ihat we are 
now and then apt to draw too unfavorable conclusions 
from unpleasant appearances, which may perhaps be chiefly 
or altogether owing to gross or confused conceptions, or 
to a disgusting formality of demeanor, or to indeterminate, 
low, or improperly familiar expressions. The mode and 
language, in which a vulgar man will express himself on 
the subject of religion, will probably be vulgar, and it is 
difficult for people of literature and refinement not to be 
unreasonably shocked by such vulgarities. But we should 
at least endeavor to correct the rash judgments which we 
may be disposed to form on these occasions, and should 
learn to recognize and to prize a sound texture and just 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 113 

configuration, though disguised beneath a homely or un- 
couth drapery. It was an Apostle who declared that he 
had come to the learned and accomplished Grecians, ' not 
with excellency of speech, or the wisdom of words.' From 
these he had studiously abstained, lest he should have 
seemed to owe his success rather to the graces of oratory, 
than to the efficacy of his doctrines, and to the divine power 
with which they were accompanied. Even in our own 
times, when the extraordinary operations and miraculous 
gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased, the necessity of study 
and preparation, and of attention to manner as well as mat- 
ter, in order to qualify men to become teachers of religion, 
are no longer superseded, it is no more than an act of justice 
explicitly to remark, that a body of Christians, which, from 
the peculiarly offensive grossness of language in use 
among them, had, not without reason, excited suspicions of 
the very worst nature, have since reclaimed their charac- 
ter,* and have perhaps excelled all mankind in solid and 
unequivocal proofs of the love of Christ, and of the most ar- 
dent, and active, and patient zeal in his service. It is a zeal 
tempered with prudence, softened with meekness, soberly 
aiming at great ends by the gradual operation of well- 
adapted means, supported by a courage which no danger 
can intimidate, and a quiet constancy which no hardships can 
exhaust. 



Sect. IL 
On the Admission of the Passions into Religion. 

The objection of our opponent, that, by insisting on the 
obligation of making our blessed Saviour the object of our 
aiTections, we are degrading our religious services, and are 
substituting a set of mere feelings in place of the worship of 
the understanding, is an objection which deserves our most 
serious consideration. If it be just, it is decisive; for ours 
must be unquestionably * a reasonable service.'"!* The ob- 



* Vide the Testimony of the West India Merchants to the Moravi- 
ans, in the Report of the Privy Council on the Slave Trade, 
t Rom. ii. 1. 

10* 



114 JPRACt-ICAt VIeW 

jector must mean, eilher, that these affections are unrieaSdft- 
able in themselves, or that they are misplaced in religion. 
He can scarcely, however^ intend that the affections are in 
their own nature unreasonable. To suppose him to main- 
tain this position, were to suppose him ignoiant of what every 
school-boy knows of the mechanism of the human mind. 
We shall therefore take it for granted, that this cannot be his 
meaning, and proceed to examine the latter part of the alterna- 
tive. Here also it may either be intended^ that the affections 
are misplaced in religion generally, or that our blessed Sa- 
viour is not the proper object of them* 

This notion of the affections being out of place in reli- 
gion, is indeed an opinion which appears to be generally pre- 
valent. The affections are regarded as the strong holds of 
enthusiasm. It is therefore judged most expedient to act, as 
prudent generals are used to do, when they raze the fortress, 
or spike the cannon, which are likely to fall into the hands of 
an enemy. Mankind are apt to be the dupes of misapplied 
terms 5 and the progress of the persuasion now in question, 
has been considerably aided by an abuse of language not 
sufficiently checked in i' s first advances, whereby that species 
of religion which is opposite to the warm and affectionate 
kind, has been suffered, almost without disturbance, to usurp 
to itself the epithet of raiionciL But let not this claim be 
too hastily admitted. Let the position in question be 
thoroughly and impartially discussed, and it will appear, if I 
mistake liot, to be a gross and pernicious error. If amputa- 
tion be indeed indispensable, we must submit to it ; but we 
may surely expect to be heard with patience, or rather with 
favor and indulgence^ while we proceed to show, that there 
is no need to have recourse to so desperate a remedy. The 
discussion will necessarily draw us into length. But our 
prolixity will not be greater than may well be claimed by the 
importance of the subject^ especially as it scarcely seems to 
have hitherto sufficiently engaged the attention of writers on 
the subject of religion. 

It cannot, methinks, but afford a considerable presump- 
tion against the doctrine which we are about to combat, that 
it proposes to exclude at once from the service of religion 
so grand a part of the composition of man ; that in this our 
noblest employment it condemns as worse than useless, all 
the most active principles of our nature. One cannot but 
suppose, that, like the organs of the body, so the elementary 
qualities and original passions of the mind were all given 



OF CHRlSSTIANITt. 115 

US for valuable purposes by our all- wise Creator. It is in- 
deed one of the sad evidences of our fallen condition, that 
they are now perpetually rebelling against the powers of 
reason and conscience, to which they should be subject. 
But even if Revelation had been silent, natural reason 
might have in some degree presumed, that it would be the 
effect of a religion which should come from God, complete- 
ly to repair the consequences of our superinduced depra- 
vity. The schemes of mere human wisdom had indeed ta- 
citly confessed, that this was a task beyond their strength. 
Of the two most celebrated systems of philosophy, the one ex- 
pressly confirmed the usurpation of the passions ; while the 
other, despairing of being able to regulate them, saw nothing 
left but their extinction. The former acted like a weak 
government, which gives independence to a rebellious pro- 
vince, which it cannot reduce. The latter formed its boast- 
ed scheme merely upon the plan of that barbarous policy 
which composes the troubles of a turbulent land by the ex- 
termination of its inhabitants. This is the calm, not of or- 
der, but of inaction ; it is not tranquillity, but the still- 
ness of death ; 

Trucidare falso nomine imperium, et ubi solitudinem faciunt, pa- 
cem appellant. — Tacit. 

Christianity, we might hope, would not be driven to any 
such wretched expedients ; nor in fact does she condescend 
to them. They only thus undervalue her strength, who mis- 
take her character, and are ignorant of her powers. It is 
her peculiar glory, and her special office, to bring all the 
faculties of our nature into their just subordination and de- 
pendence ; that so the whole man, complete in all his func- 
tions, may be restored to the true ends of his being, and be 
devoted, entire and harmonious, to the service and glory of 
God. * My son, give me thine heart,' — ' Thou shalt love 
the Lord thy God with all thy heart :' — Such are the di- 
rect and comprehensive claims which are made on us in 
the holy Scriptures. We can scarcely indeed look into any 
part of the sacred volume without meeting abundant proofs 
that it is the religion of the affections which God particu- 
larly requires. Love, zeal, gratitude, joy, hope, trust, are 
each of them specified ; and are not allowed to us as weak- 
nesses, but enjoined on us as our bounden duty, and com- 
mended to us as our acceptable worship. Where passages 



118 PRACTtcAt View 

are so numerous, there would be no end of particular cita- 
tions. Let it be sufficient, therefore, to refer the reader 
to the word of God. There let him observe, too, that as 
the lively exercise of the passions towards their legitimate 
object is always spoken of with praise, so a cold, hard, un- 
feeling heart, is represented as highly criminal. Luke- 
warmness is stated to be the object of God's disgust and 
aversion ; zeal and love, of his favor and delight ; and the 
taking away of the heart of stone, and the implanting of a 
warmer and more tender nature in its stead, are specifically 
promised as the effects of his returning favor, and the work 
of his renewing grace. It is the prayer of an inspired 
teacher, in behalf of those for whom he was most interest- 
ed, ' that their love,' already acknowledged to be great, 
' might abound yet more and more.'* Those modes of 
worship are prescribed which are best calculated to excite 
the dormant affections, and to maintain them in lively ex- 
ercise ; and the aids of music and singing are expressly su- 
peradded to increase their effect. If we look to the most 
eminent of the Scripture characters, we shall find them 
warm, zealous, and affectionate. When engaged in their 
favorite work of celebrating the goodness of their Supreme 
Benefactor, their souls appear to burn within them, their 
hearts kindle into rapture ; the powers of language are in- 
adequate to the expression of their transports ; and they 
call on all nature to swell the chorus and to unite with 
them in hallelujahs of gratitude, and joy, and praise. The 
man after God's own heart most of all abounds in these 
glowing effusions ; and his compositions appear to have 
been given us in order to set the tone, as it were, to all suc- 
ceeding generations. Accordingly, to quote the words of a 
late excellent prelate,| who was himself warmed with the 
same heavenly flame, ' in the language of this divine book, 
the praises of the church have been offered up to the throne 
of grace from age to age.' When God was pleased to 
check the future Apostle of the Gentiles in his wild career, 
and to make him a monument of transforming grace, was 
the force of his affections diminished, or was it not that their 
direction only was changed ? He brought his affections en- 
tire and unabated into the service of his blessed Master. 
His zeal now burned even with an increase of brightness ; 



♦ Phillipians, i. 9. f I^r. Home. 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 117 

and no intenseness, no continuance, of sufferings, could allay 
its ardor, or damp the fervors of his triumphant exulta- 
tions. Finally — The worship and service of the glorified 
spirits in heaven, is not represented to us as a cold intellec- 
tual investigation, but as the worship and service of grati- 
tude and love. And surely it will not be disputed, that it 
should be even here the humble endeavor of those who 
are promised, while on earth, ' to be made meet to be par- 
takers of the inheritance of the saints in light,' to bring 
their hearts into a capacity for joining in those everlasting 
praises. 

True Test and Measure of the Religious Affections. — 
But it may not be unadvisable for the writer here to guard 
against a mistaken supposition, from which the mind of our 
objector by no means appears exempt ; that the force of the 
religious affections is to be chiefly estimated by the degree 
of mere animal fervor, by ardors, and transports, and 
raptures, of which, from constitutional temperament, a per- 
son may be easily susceptible ; or into which, daily expe- 
rience must convince us, that people of strong imaginations 
and of warm passions may work themselves without much 
difficulty, where their hearts are by no means truly or deeply 
interested. Every tolerable actor can attest the truth of 
this remark. These high degrees of the passions bad men 
may experience, good men may want. They may be af- 
fected ; they may be genuine ; but whether genuine or 
affected, they form not the true standard by which the real 
nature or strength of the religious affections is to be deter- 
mined. To ascertain these points, we must examine whether 
they appear to be grounded in knowledge, to have their root 
in strong and just conceptions of the great and manifold ex- 
cellences of their object, or to be ignorant, unmeaning or 
vague ; whether they are natural and easy, or constrained 
and forced ; wakeful, and apt to fix on their great objects, 
and delighting in the exercises of prayer, and praise, and 
religious contemplation, which may be called their proper 
nutriment ; or voluntarily omitting suitable occasions of re- 
ceiving it, looking forward to such opportunities with little 
expectation, looking back on them with little complacency, 
and being disappointed of them with little regret ; we must 
observe whether these religious affections are merely occa- 
sional visitants, or the abiding inmates of the soul : whe- 
ther they have got the mastery over the vicious passions and 
propensities, with which, in their origin, and nature, and 
tendency, they are at open variance ; or whether, if the vie- 



118 l»RACtlCAL VIEW 

tory be not yet complete, the war is at least constant, and 
the breach irreconcilable ; whether they moderate and regu- 
late all the inferior appetites and desires which are culpable 
only in their excess, thus striving to reign in the bosom with 
a settled undisputed predominance : and we must examine 
whether, above all, they manifest themselves by prompting 
to the active discharge of the duties of lite, the personal, 
the domestic, the professional, the social, and civil duties. 
Here the wideness of their range, and the universality of 
their influence, will generally serve to distinguish them from 
those partial efforts of diligence and self-denial, to which 
mankind are prompted by subordinate motives. All proofs 
other than this, deduced from conduct, are in some degree 
ambiguous. This, this only, whether we argue from Rea- 
son or from Scripture, is a sure, infallible criterion. From 
the daily incidents of conjugal and domestic life, we learn, 
that a heat of affection occasionally vehement, but super- 
ficial and transitory, may consist too well with a course 
of conduct exhibiting incontestible proofs of neglect and 
unkindness. But the passion which alone the holy 
Scriptures dignify with the name of Love, is a deep, not a 
superficial feeling ; a fixed and permanent, not an occa- 
sional emotion. It proves the validity of its title, by actions 
corresponding with its nature, by practical endeavors to 
gratify the wishes, and to promote the interests, of the object 
of affection. * If a man love me, he will keep my sayings.' 
' This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments.' 
This therefore is the best standard by which to try the quali- 
ty, or, the quality being ascertained, to estimate the strength 
of the religious affections. Without suffering ourselves to 
derive too much complacency from transient fervors of devo- 
tion, we should carefully and frequently prove ourselves by 
this less doubtful test ; impartially examining our daily con- 
duct, and often comparing our actual, with our possible servi- 
ces ; the fair amount of our exertions, with our natural or ac- 
quired means and opportunities of usefulness. 

After this large explanation, the prolixity of which will, 
we trust, be pardoned on account of the importance of the 
subject, and the danger of mistakes both on the right hand 
and on the left, we are perfectly ready to concede to the ob- 
jector, that the religious affections must be expected to be 
more or less lively in different men, and in the same man 
at different times, in proportion to natural tempers, ages, sit- 
uations, and habits of life. But, to found an objection on 



OP CHRISTIANltT. 11^ 

this ground, would be as unreasonable, as it would be alto- 
gether to deny the obligation of the precepts, which com- 
mand us to relieve the necessities of the indigent, because 
the infinitely varying circumstiinces of mankind must ren- 
der it impossible to specify beforehand the sum which each 
individual ought on the whole to allot to this purpose, or to 
fix, in every particular instance, on any determinate measure 
and mode of contribution. To the one case no less than to 
the other, we may apply the maxim of an eminent writer : 
* An honest heart is the best casuist.' He who every where 
but in religion is warm and animated, there only phlegmatic 
and cold, can hardly expect, especially if this coldness be not 
the subject of unfeigned humiliation and sorrow, that his 
plea on the ground of natural temper should be admitted, any 
more than that of a person who should urge his poverty as a 
justification of his not relieving the wants of the necessitous, 
at the very time of his launching out into expense without re- 
straint, on occasions in which he was really prompted by his 
inclinations. In both cases, ' it is the ivilling mind which is 
required.' Where that is found, every ' man will be judged 
according to what he hath, and not according to what he hath 
not.'* 

The Affections not merely alloivable in Religion, but highly 
necessary,-— A^ter the decisive proofs already adduced from 
the word of God, of the unreasonableness of the objection 
to admitting the passions into religion, all farther arguments 
may appear superfluous to any one who is disposed to bow to 
scriptural authority. Yet the point is of so much importance, 
and, it is to be feared, so little regarded, that it may not be 
amiss to continue the discussion. The best conclusions of 
reason will be shown to fall in with what clearly appears to 
be the authoritative language of revelation : and to call in 
the aid of the affections to the service of religion, will prove 
to be, not only what sober reason may permit as in some 
sort allowable, but what she clearly and strongly dictates to 
our deliberate judgments as indispensably requisite for us, 
in the circumstances wherein we are placed. We have 
every one of us a work to accomplish, wherein our eternal 
interests are at stake ; a work to which we are naturally 
indisposed. We live in a world abounding with objects 
which distract our attention and divert our endeavors ; and 
a deadly enemy is ever at hand to seduce and beguile us. 
If we persevere indeed, success is certain ; but our efforts 
must know no remission. There is a call on us for vigorous 

* 2 Cor. viii. 12. 



120 PRACTICAL VIEW 

and continued resolution, self-denial, and activity. Now, 
man is not a being of mere intellect. 

Video meliora proboque, deteriora sequor, 

is a complaint which, alas ! we all of us might daily utter. 

The slightest solicitation of appetite is often able to draw 
us to act in opposition to our clearest judgment, our highest 
interests, and most resolute determinations. Sickness, pov- 
erty, disgrace, and even eternal misery itself, sometimes in 
vain solicit our notice ; they are all excluded from our view, 
and thrust as it were beyond the sphere of vision, by some 
poor unsubstantial transient object, so minute and contempti- 
ble as almost to escape the notice of the eye of reason. 

These observations are more strikingly confirmed in our 
religious concerns than in any other ; because in them the 
interests at stake are of transcendant importance ; but they 
hold equally in every instance, according to its measure, 
wherein there is a call for laborious, painful, and continued 
exertions, from which we are likely to be deterred by ob- 
stacles, or seduced by the solicitations of pleasure. What 
then is to be done in the case of any such arduous and ne- 
cessary undertaking ? The answer is obvious — You should 
endeavor not only to convince the understanding, but also 
to affect the heart ; and, for this end, you must secure the 
reinforcement of the passions. This is indeed the course 
which would be naturally followed by every man of com- 
mon understanding, who should know that some one, for 
whom he was deeply interested, a child, for instance, or a 
brother, were about to enter on a long, difficult, perilous, 
and critical adventure, wherein success was to be honor and 
affluence ; defeat was to be contempt and ruin. And still 
more, if the parent were convinced that his child possessed 
faculties, which, strenuously and unremittingly exerted, 
would prove equal to all the exigencies of the enterprize ; 
but knew him also to be volatile and inconstant, and had 
reason to doubt his resolution and his vigilance ; how would 
the friendly monitor's endeavor be redoubled, so to possess 
his pupil's mind with the worth and dignity of the undertak- 
ing, that there should be no opening for the entrance of any 
inferior consideration! — * Weigh well (he would say) the 
value of the object for which you are about to contend, and 
contemplate and study its various excellences, till your 
own soul be on fire for its acquisition. Consider, too, that 



0> CHRISTIANITY. 121 

if you fail, misery and infamy are united in the alternative 
which awaits you. Let not the mistaken notion of its be- 
ing a safe and easy service, for a moment beguile you into 
the discontinuance or remission of your efforts. Be aware 
of your imminent danger, and at the same time know your 
true security. It is a service of labor and peril ; but one 
wherein the powers which you possess, strenuously and 
perseveringly exerted, cannot but crown you with victory. 
Accustom yourself to look first to the dreadful consequences 
of failure ; then fix your eye on the glorious price which is 
before you ; and when your strength begins to fail, and your 
spirits are well nigh exhausted, let the animating view rekindle 
your resolution, and call forth in renewed vigor the fainting 
energies of your soul.' 

It was the remark of an unerring observer, ' The chil- 
dren of this world are wiser in their generation than the chil- 
dren of light.' And it is indisputably true, that in religion 
we have to argue and plead with men for principles of ac- 
tion, the wisdom and expediency of which are universally 
acknowledged in matters of vv^orklly concern. So it is in 
the instance before us. The case which has been just de- 
scribed, is an exact, but a faint representation of our condi- 
tion in this life. Frail and ' infirm of purpose,' we have 
a business to execute of supreme and indispensable neces- 
sity. Solicitations to neglect it everywhere abound; the 
difficulties and dangers are numerous and urgent ; and the 
night of death cometh, how soon we know not, * when no 
man can work.' All this is granted. It seems to be a state 
of things wherein one should look out with solicitude for 
some powerful stimulants. Mere knowledge is confessedly 
too weak. The affections alone remain to supply the defi« 
ciency. They precisely meet the occasion, and suit the 
purposes intended. Yet, when we propose to fit ourselves 
for our great undertaking, by calling them in to our help, 
we are to be told that we are acting contrary to reason. 
Is this reasonab'e, to strip us first of our armor of proof, and 
then to send us to the sharpest of encounters ? To sum- 
mon us to the severest labors, but first to rob us of the pre- 
cious cordials which should brace our sinews and recruit our 
strength ] 

Let these pretended advocates for reason at length then 
confess their folly, and do justice to the superior wisdom as 
well as goodness of our heavenly Instructor, who, better 
understanding our true condition, and knowing our froward- 
ness and inadvertency, has most reasonably as well as kindly 
11 



122 PRACTICAL VIEW 

pointed out and enjoined on us the use of those aids which 
may counteract our infirmities ; who, commanding the effect, 
has commanded also the means whereby it may be accom- 
plished. 

Christ the just object of our warm Jiffections, — And now, 
if the use of the affections in religion, in general, be at length 
shown to be conformable to reason, it will not require many 
words to prove that our blessed Saviour is the proper object 
of them. We know that love, gratitude, joy, hope, trust, 
have all their appropriate objects. Now it must be at once 
conceded, that if these appropriate objects be not exhibited, 
it is perfectly unreasonable to expect that the correspondent 
passions should be excited. If we ask for love, in the case 
of an object which has no excellence or desirableness ; for 
gratitude, where no obligation has been conferred ; for joy, 
where there is no just cause of self-congratulation ; for hope, 
where nothing is expected ; for trust, where there exists no 
ground of reliance ; then, indeed, we must kiss the rod, and 
patiently submit to the correction. This would be indeed 
Egyptian bondage, to demand the effects without the means 
of producing them. Is the case then so? Are we ready to 
adopt the language of the avowed enemies of our adorable 
Saviour; and again to say of him, ' in whom dweileth all the 
fullness of the Godhead bodily,' that ' he hath no form nor 
comeliness ; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty 
that we should desire him !'* Is it no obligation, that he who 
* thought it not robbery to be equal with God,' should yet, for 
our sakes, ' make himself of no reputation, and take upon 
him the form of a servant, and be made in the likeness of 
men ; and humble himself, and become obedient unto death, 
even the death of the cross ?'| Is it no cause of 'joy, that 
to us is born a Saviour,'J by whom we may ' be delivered 
from the power of darkness; and be made meet to be par- 
takers of the inheritance of the saints in light ?'§ Can there 
be a ' hope comparable to that of our calling'|| — ' which is 
Christ in us, the hope of glory VII Can there be a t7mst to be 
preferred to the reliance on ' Christ Jesus ; who is the same 
yesterday, to-day, and for ever ?'** Surely, if our opponent 
be not dead to every generous emotion, he cannot look his 
own objection in the face, without a blush of shame and in- 
dignation. 

T%e Affections denied to be possible towards an invisible Bc" 

* Isaiah, liii. 2. t Phil. ii. 6, 7, 8. J Luke, iL 10, 11. 

§ CoUi. 12, 13. II Ephes. 1 18. IT Col i. 27. 

** Heb, xiii. 8. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 123 

ing. — But forced at last to retreat from his favorite position, 
and compelled to acknowledge that the religious affections 
towards our blessed Saviour are not unreasonable ; the ob- 
jector still maintains the combat, suggesting that, by the 
very constitution of our nature, we are not susceptible of 
them towards an invisible being ; with regard to whom, it 
is added, we are shut out from all those means of commu- 
nication and intercourse which knit and cement the union 
between man and man. 

The above position discussed, and answered. — We mean 
not to deny that there is something in this objection. It might 
even seem to plead the authority of Scripture in its favor — 
' Mine eye affecteth mine heart ;'* and still more — ' He that 
loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love 
God whom he hath not seen r| It was indeed no new re- 
mark in Horace's daj^s, 

SegDius irritant animos demissa per aures, 
Cluam quae sunt oculis subjecta fidelibus. 

We receive impressions more readily from visible objects, 
we feel them more strongly, we retain them more durably. 
But though it must be granted, that this circumstance makes 
it a more difficult task to preserve the affections in question 
in a healthful and vigorous state, is it thereby rendered 
impossible ? This were indeed a most precipitate conclu- 
sion ; and any one who should be disposed to admit the 
truth of it, might be at least induced to hesitate, when he 
should reflect that the argument applies equally against the 
possibility of the love of God, a duty of which the most cur- 
sory reader of Scripture, if he admit its divine authority, 
cannot but acknowledge the indispensable obligation. But 
we need only look back to the Scripture proofs which have 
been already adduced, to be convinced that the religious 
affections are therein inculcated on us as a matter of high 
and serious obligation. Hence we may be assured that the 
impossibility stated by our opponent does not exist. 

Let us scrutinize this matter, however, a little more mi- 
nutely, and we shall be compelled to acknowledge, that the 
objection vanishes when we fairly and accurately investigate 
the circumstances of the case. With this view, let us look a 
little into the nature of the affections of the human mind, and 
endeavor to ascertain whence it is that they derive their rutri- 
ment, and are found from experience to increase in strength. 

♦ Lam. iii. 51. t John, iv. 20. 



124 1*RACTICAL VIEW 

The state of man is such, that his feelings are not the 
obedient servants of his reason, prompt at once to follow its 
dictates, as to their direction and their measure. Excel- 
lence is the just object of love : good in expectancy, of 
hope ; evil to be apprehended, of fear ; the misfortunes and 
sufferings of our fellow-creatures, constitute the just objects 
of pity. Each of these passions, it might be thought, would 
be excited, in proportion to what our reason should inform 
us were the magnitude and consequent claims of its corres- 
ponding object. But this is by no means the case. Take 
first for a proof, the instance of pity. We read of slaugh- 
tered thousands with less emotion, than we hear the particu- 
lars of a shocking accident which has happened in the next 
street ; the distresses of a novel, which at the same time we 
know to be fictitious, affect us more than the dry narrative 
of a battle. We become so much interested by these inci- 
dents of the imagination, that we cannot speedily banish 
them from our thoughts, nor recover the tone of our minds ; 
and often, we scarcely bring ourselves to lay down our book 
at the call of real misfortune, of which perhaps we go to the 
relief, on a principle of duty, but with little sense of inter- 
est, or emotion of tenderness. It were easy to show that it 
is much the same in the case of the other affections. What- 
ever be the cause of this disproportion, which, as metaphys- 
ics fall not within our province, we shall not stop to exa- 
mine, the fact is undeniable. There appears naturally to be 
a certain strangeness between the passion and its object, 
which familiarity and the power of habit must gradually 
overcome. You must contrive to bring them into close 
contact ; they must be jointed and glued together by the par- 
ticularhies of little incidents. Thus, in the production of 
heat in the physical world, the flint and the steel produce 
not the effect without collision ; the rudest barbarian will 
tell us the necessity of attrition, and the chemist of mixture. 
Now an object, it is admitted, is brought into closer con- 
tact with its corresponding passion, by being seen and con- 
versed with. This we grant is one way ; but does it follow 
that there is no other 1 To assert this, would be something 
like maintaining, in contradiction to universal experience, 
that objects of vision alone are capable of attracting our re- 
gard. But nothing can be more unfounded than such a 
supposition. It might seem too near an approach to the 
ludicrous, to suggest, as an example to the contrary, the me- 



Ol' CttRtSTlANITY. 125 

taphysician's attachment to his unsubstantial speculations, 
or the zeal displayed in the pursuit, 

Extra flammantia moenia mundi, 

of abstract sciences, where there is no idea of bringing 
them " within the visible diurnal sphere ;" to the vulgarity 
of practical application. The instance of novel-reading proves 
that we may be extremely affected by what we know to be 
merely ideal incidents and beings. By much thinking or 
talking of any one ; by using our minds to dwell on his 
excellences ; by placing him in imaginary situations which 
interest and affect us ; we find ourselves becoming insen- 
sibly more and more attached to him : whereas it is the 
surest expedient for extinguishing an attachment which al- 
ready exists, to engage in such occupations or society, as 
may cause our casual thoughts and more fixed meditations 
to be diverted from the object of it. Ask a mother who 
has been long separated from her child, especially if he has 
been in circumstances of honor, or of danger, to draw her 
attention to him, and to keep it in wakefulness and exercise, 
and she will tell you that so far from becoming less dear, 
he appears to have grown more the object of her affections. 
She seems to herself to love him even better than the child 
who has been living under her roof, and has been daily in 
her view. How does she rejoice in his good fortune, and 
weep over his distresses ! With what impatience does she 
anticipate the time of his return! 

We find, therefore, that sight and personal intercourse do 
not seem necessary to the production or increase of attach- 
ment, where the means of close contact have been afforded; 
but on the other hand, if an object has been prevented from 
coming into close contact., sight and personal intercourse are 
not sufficient to give it the power of exciting the affections 
in proportion to its real magnitude. Suppose the case of a 
person whom we have often seen, and may have occasion- 
ally conversed with, and of whom we have been told in 
the general, that he possesses extraordinary merits. We 
assent to the assertion. But if we have no knowledge of 
particulars, no close acquaintance with him, nothing in 
short which brings his merits home to us, they interest us 
less than a far inferior degree of the very same qualities in 
one of our common associates. A parent has several chil- 
dren, all constantly under his eye, and equally dear to him, 
11* 



126 PRACtlCAL VIEtV 

Yet if any one of them be taken ill, it is brought into so 
much closer contact than before, that it seems to absorb and 
engross the parent's whole affection. Thus, then, though 
it will not be denied that an object by being visible may 
thereby excite its corresponding affection with more facili- 
ty; yet this is manifestly far from being the prime con- 
sideration. And so far are we from being the slaves of the 
sense of vision, that a familiar acquaintance with the intrin- 
sic excellences of an object, aided, it must be admitted, 
by the power of habit, will render us almost insensible to 
the impressions which its outward form conveys, and able 
entirely to lose the consciousness of an unsightly exterior. 
We may be permitted to rem^ark, that the foregoing ob- 
servations furnish an explanation, less discreditable than 
that which has been sometimes given, of an undoubted 
phenomenon in the human mind, that the greatest public 
misfortunes, however the understanding may lecture, are 
apt really to affect our feelings less than the most trivial 
disaster which happens to ourselves. An eminent writer"^* 
Scarcely overstated the point when he observed, 'that it 
would occasion a man of humanity more real disturbance to 
know that he was the next morning to lose his little finger, 
than to hear that the great empire of China had been sudden- 
ly swallowed up by an earthquake. The thoughts of the for- 
mer would keep him awake all night ; in the latter case, after 
making many melancholy reflections on the precariousness 
of human life, and the vanity of all the labors of man 
which could be thus annihilated in a moment ; after a little 
speculation too perhaps on the causes of the disaster, and its 
effects in the political and commercial world ; he would 
pursue his business or his pleasure with the same ease and 
tranquillity as if no such accident had happened, and snore 
at night with the most profound serenity over the ruin of a 
hundred millions of his fellow-creatures. Selfishness is not 
the cause of this, for the most unfeeling brute on earth 
would surely think nothing of the loss of a finger, if he 
could thereby prevent so dreadful a calamity." This doc- 
trine of contact which has been opened above, affords a sat- 
isfactory solution ; and, from all that has been said, the cir- 
cumstances, by which the affections of the mind towards 

* Dr. Adam Smith, in his Theory of Moral Sentiments. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 127 

any particular object are generated and strengthened, may 
be easily collected. The chief of these appear to be, what- 
ever tends t^ give a distinct and lively impression of the 
object, by setting before us its minute parts, and by often 
drawing towards it the thoughts and affections, so as to in- 
vest it by degrees with a confirmed ascendency ; whatever 
tends to excite and keep in exercise a lively interest in 
its behalf; in other words, full knowledge, distinct and fre- 
quent mental entertainment, and pathetic contemplations. 
Supposing these means to have been used in any given de- 
gree, it may be expected that they will be more or less ef- 
ficacious, in proportion as the intrinsic qualities of the ob- 
ject afford greater or less scope for their operation, and 
more or fewer materials with which to work. Can it then 
be conceived, that they will be of no avail when steadily 
practised in the case of our Redeemer ! If the principles of 
love, and gratitude, and joy, and hope, and trust, are not 
utterly extinct within us, they cannot but be called forth by 
the various corresponding objects which that blessed con- 
templation would gradually bring forth to our view. Well 
might the language of the apostle be addressed to Chris- 
tians, ' Whom having not seen, ye love ; in whom, though 
now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy un- 
speakable and full of glory.'* 

Special grounds for the religious affections towards our 
Saviou7\ — But, in the present instance, fresh considerations 
pour in, still more to invalidate the plea of its being impossi- 
ble to love an invisible being. Our blessed Saviour, if we may 
be permitted so to say, is not removed far from us ; and the 
various relations in which we stand towards him, seem pur- 
posely made known to us, in order to furnish so many dif- 
ferent bonds of connection with him, so many consequent 
occasions of continual intercourse. He exhibits not himself 
to us ' dark with excessive brightness,' but is let down as 
it were to the possibilities of human converse. We may 
not think that he is incapable of entering into our little con- 
cerns, and of sympathizing with them ; for we are gra- 
ciously assured that he is not one * who cannot be touched 
with the feeling of our infirmities, having been in all points 
tempted like as we are.'| The figures under which he is 
represented, are such as convey ideas of the utmost tender- 
ness. * He shall feed his flock like a shepherd ; he shall 

♦1 Pet.i. 8. tHeb. iv. 15, 



128 PRACTICAL VIEW 

gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, 
and shall gently lead those that are with young.'* — * They 
shall not hunger nor thirst, neither shall the heat nor sun 
suite them ; for he that hath mercy on them, shall lead 
them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.'f 
* I will not leave you orphans,'^ was one of his last con- 
solatory declarations. § The children of Christ are here sep- 
arated indeed from the personal view of him ; but not from 
his paternal affection and paternal care. Meanwhile let 
them quicken their regards by the animating anticipation 
of that blessed day, when he ' who is gone to prepare a 
place for them, will come again to receive them unto him- 
self.' Then shall they be admitted to his more immediate 
presence : ' Now we see through a glass darkly ; but then 
face to face ; now I know in part ; but then shall I know, 
even as I am known, '|| 

Surely more than enough has been now said to prove 
that this particular case, from its very nature, furnishes the 
most abundant and powerful considerations and means for 
exciting the feelings ; and it might be contended, without fear 
of refutation, that, by the diligent and habitual use of those 
considerations and means, we might, with confident expecta- 
tion of success, engage in the work of raising our affections 
towards our blessed Saviour to a state of due force and activ- 
ity. But, blessed be God, we have a still better reliance ; 
for the grand circumstance of all yet remains behind, which 
the writer has been led to defer, from his wish to contend with 
his opponents on their own ground. This circumstance is, that 
here, no less than in other particulars, the Christian's hope is 
founded, not on the speculations or the strength of man, but on 
the declaration of Him who cannot lie, on the power of 
Omnipotence. 

Unreasonahle conduct of our objectors in the present in- 
stance. — We learn from the Scriptures that it is one main part 
of the operations of the Holy Spirit, to implant those 
heavenly principles in the human mind, and to cherish their 
growth. We are encouraged to believe, that, in answer to 
our prayers, this aid from above will give efficacy to our ear- 
nest endeavors, if used in humble dependence on divine 
grace. We may therefore with confidence take the means 
which have been suggested. But let us, in our turn, be 
permitted to ask our opponents, have they humbly and per- 

* Isaiah xl. 11, 
•fThe word * comfortless' is rendered in the margin, Orphans. 
Jlsaiah xlix. 10. §John xiv. 18, ||l Cor, xiii, 12. * 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 129 

severingly applied for this divine strength? or, disclaim- 
ing that assistance, perhaps as tempting them to indolence, 
have they been so much the more strenuous and unwearied 
in the use of their own unaided endeavors ; or, rather, have 
they not been equally negligent of both? Renouncing the 
one, they have v/holly omitted the other. But this is far from 
being all. They even reverse all the methods which we have 
recommended as being calculated to increase regard ; and 
exactly follow that course which would be pursued by any 
one who should wish to reduce an excessive affection. Yet 
thus leaving untried all the means, which, whether from Rea- 
son or Scripture, we maintain to be necessary to the produc- 
tion of the end, nay, using such as are of a directly opposite 
nature, these men presume to talk to us of impossibilities ! 
We may rather contend that they furnish a fresh proof of the 
soundness of our reasonings. We lay it down as a funda- 
mental position, that speculative knowledge alone, mere su- 
perficial cursory considerations, will be of no avail, that 
nothing is to be done without the diligent, continued use, of 
the appointed method. They themselves afford an instance of 
the truth of our assertions : and while they supply no argu- 
ment against the efficacy of the mode prescribed, they ac- 
knowledge at least that they are wholly ignorant of any other. 

Jlp'peal to Fact in proof of our former positions, — But let 
us now turn our eyes to Christians of a higher order, to those 
who have actually proved the truth of our reasonings ; who 
have not only assumed the name, but who have possessed the 
substance, and felt the power, of Christianity ; who, though 
often foiled by their remaining corruptions, and shamed and 
cast down under a sense of their many imperfections, have 
known, in their better seasons, what it was to experience its 
firm hope, its dignified joy, its unshaken trust, its more than 
human consolations. In their hearts, love also towards their 
Redeemer has glowed ; a love, not superficial and unmean- 
ing, but constant and rational, resultmg from a strong im- 
pression of the worth of its object, and heightened by an 
abiding sense of great, unmerited, and continually accumu- 
lating obligations ; ever manifesting itself in acts of diligent 
obedience, or of patient suffering. Such was the religion 
of the holy martyrs of the sixteenth century, the illustrious 
ornaments of the English Church. They realized the theory 
which we have now been faintly tracing. Look to their 
writings, and you will find that iheir thoughts and affections 



130 PRACTICAL VIEW 

had been much exercised in habitual views of the blessed 
Jesus. Thus they used the required means. What were 
the effects ? Persecution and distress, degradation and con- 
tempt in vain assailed them — all these evils served but to 
bring their affections into closer contact with their object ; 
and not only did their love feel no diminution or abatement, 
but it rose to all the exigencies of the occasion, and burned 
with an increase of ardor; even when brought forth at last to 
a cruel and ignominious death, they repined not at their fate ; 
but rather rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer 
for the name of Christ. The writer might refer to still more 
recent times, to prove the reality of this divine principle. 
But lest his authorities should be disputed, let us go to the 
apostles of our Lord; and while on a cursory perusal of their 
writings, we must acknowledge that they co i mend and even 
prescribe to us the love of Christ as one of the chief of the 
Christian graces ; so, on a more attentive inspection of those 
writings, we shall discover abundant proofs that they were 
themselves bright examples of their own precept ; that our 
blessed Saviour was really the object of their warmest affec- 
tion, and what he had done and suffered for them, the con- 
tinual subject of their grateful remembrance. 



Sect. 111. 



Inadequate Conceptions concerning the Holij SpiriVs opei'a-' 

tions. 

The disposition so prevalent in the bulk of nominal 
Christians, to form a religious system for themselves, instead 
of taking it from the word of God, is strikingly observable in 
their scarcely admitting, except in the most vague and gen- 
eral sense, the doctrine of the influence of the Holy Spirit. 
If we look into the Scriptures for information on this par- 
ticular, we learn a very different lesson. We are in them 
distinctly taught, that ' of ourselves we can do nothing ;' 
that ' we are by nature children of wrath,' and under the 
power of ihe evil spirit, our understandings being naturally 
dark, and our hearts averse from spiritual things ; and we 
are directed to pray for the influence of the Holy Spirit to 



OP CHRISTIANIXr. 1^1 

enlighten our understandings, to dissipate our prejudices, 
to purify our corrupt minds, and to renew us after the 
image of our heavenly Father. It is this influence which is 
represented as originally awakening us from slumber, as 
enlightening us in darkness, as ' quickening us when dead,'* 
as ' delivering us from the power of the devil,' as drawing us 
to God, as * translating us into the kingdom of his dear 
Son,'! as * creating us anew in Christ Jesus,'J as ' dwelling 
in us, and walking in us ;'§ so that ' putting off the old man 
with his deeds,' we are to consider ourselves as ' having put 
on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the 
image of Him that created him ;"|| and as those who are to 
to be * an habitation of God through the spirit. 'IT It is by 
this divine assistance only that we can grow in grace, and 
improve in all holiness. So expressly, particularly, and re- 
peatedly, does the word of God inculcate these lessons, that 
one would think there was scarcely room for any difference 
of opinion among those who admit its authority. Some- 
times** the whole of a Christian's repentance and faith, and 
consequent holiness, are ascribed generally to the divine in- 
fluence ; sometimes these are spoken of separately, and as- 
cribed to the same Almighty power. Sometimes different 
particular graces of the Christian character, those which re- 
spect our duties and tempers towards our fellow- creatures, 
no less than those which have reference to the Supreme Be- 
ing, are particularly traced to this source. Sometimes they 
are all referred collectively to this common root, being com- 
prehended under the compendious denomination of ' The 
Fruits of the Spirit.' In exact correspondence with these 
representations, this aid from above is promised in other 
parts of Scripture for the production of those effects ; and 
the withholding or withdrawing of it is occasionally threatened 
as a punishment for the sins of men, and as one of the most 
fatal consequences of the divine displeasure. 

The Liturgy of the Church of England strictly agrees with 
the representation which has been here given of the instruc- 
tions of the word of God. 



* Eph. ii. 1. t Col. i. 3. t Ephes. ii 10. 

§ 2 Cor. vi. 16. || Col. iii. 9, 10. 11 Ephes ii. 22. 

♦* Vide Dr. Doddridge's eight Sermons on Regeneration, a most 
valuable compilation ; and M'Laurin's Essay on Divine Grace. 



132 PRACTICAL VIEW 



Sect. IV. 



J\Iisiakcn Conceptions enterlained by nominal Christians of 
the Terms of Acceptance xviih God, 

If it be true, then, that, in contradiction to the plainest 
dictates of Scripture, and to the ritual of our EstabHshed 
Church, the sanctifying operations of the Holy Spirit (the 
first fruits of our reconciliation to God, the purchase of our 
Redeemer's death, and his best gift to his true disciples,) 
are too generally undervalued and slighted ; if it be also 
true, that our thoughts of the blessed Saviour are confused 
and faint, our affections towards him languid and luke- 
warm ; little proportioned to what they, who at such a price 
have been rescued from ruin, and endowed with a title to 
eternal glory, might be justly expected to feel towards the 
author of that deliverance ; little proportioned to what has 
been felt by others, ransomed from the same ruin, and par- 
takers of the same inheritance : if this, let it be repeated, 
be indeed so, let us not shut our eyes against the percep- 
tion of our real state ; but rather endeavor to trace the 
evil to its source. We are loudly called on to examine well 
our foundations. If any thing be there unsound and hol- 
low, the superstructure could not be safe, though its ex- 
terior were less suspicious. Let the question then be asked, 
and let the answer be returned with all the consideration 
and solemnity which a question so important may justly 
demand, whether, in the grand concern of all, the means of a 
sinner^s acceptance with God, there be not reason to ap- 
prehend, that the nominal Christians whom we have been 
addressing, too generally entertain very superficial and con- 
fused, if not highly dangerous, notions ? Is there not cause 
to fear, that, with little more than an indistinct and nominal 
reference to Him who ' bore our our sins in his own body 
on the tree,' they really rest their eternal hopes on a vague, 
general persuasion of the unqualified mercy of the Supreme 
Being ; or that, still more erroneously, they rely in the 
main on their own negative or positive merits I * They 
can look upon their lives with an impartial eye, and congratu- 
late themselves on their inoffensiveness in society ; on 
their having been exempt, at least, from any gross vice, or, 
if sometimes accidentally betrayed into it, on its never hav- 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 133 

Jng been indulged habitually ; or, if not even so,' (for there 
are but few who can say this, if the term vice be explained 
according to the strict requisitions of the Scriptures,) *yet 
on the balance being in their favor, or on the whole, not 
much against them, when their good and bad actions are fair- 
ly weighed, and due allowance is made for human frailty.' 
These considerations are sufficient for the most part to com- 
pose their apprehensions ; these are the cordials which they 
find most at hand in the moments of serious thought, or of 
occasional dejection ; and sometimes, perhaps, in seasons 
of less than ordinary self-complacency, they call in also to 
their aid the general persuasion of the unbounded mercy 
and pity of God. Yet persons of this description by no 
means disclaim a Saviour, or avowedly relinquish their title 
to a share in the benefits of his death. They close their pe- 
titions with the name of Christ ; but if not chiefly from the 
effect ot habit, or out of decent conformity to the established 
faith, yet surely with something of the same ambiguity 
of principle, which influenced the expiring philosopher, 
when he ordered th^ customary mark of homage to be paid 
to the god of medicine. 

Others go farther than this ; for there are many shades 
of difference between those who flatly renounce, and those 
who cordially embrace, the doctrine of redemption by Christ. 
This class has a sort of general, indeterminate, and ill un- 
derstood dependence on our blessed Saviour. But their 
hopes, so far as they can be distinctly made out, appear ulti- 
mately to rest on the persuasion that they are now, through 
Christ, become members of a new dispensation, wherein 
they will be tried by a more lenient rule than that to which 
they must have been otherwise subject. ' God will not now 
be extreme to mark what is done amiss ; but will dispense 
with the rigorous exactions of his law, too strict indeed for 
such frail creatures as we are, to hope that we can fulfil it. 
Christianity has moderated the requisitions of divine justice; 
and all that is now required of us, is thankfully to trust to 
the merits of Christ for the pardon of our sins, and the ac- 
ceptance of our sincere though imperfect obedience. The 
frailties and infirmities to which our nature is liable, or to 
which our situation in life exposes us, will not be severely 
judged ; and as it is practice that really determines the char- 
acter, we may rest satisfied, that if, on the whole, our lives 
be tolerably good, we shall escape with little or no punish- 
ment, and through Jesus Christ our Lord, shall be finally 
partakers of heavenly felicity/ 
12 



134 PRACTICAL VIEW 

We cannot dive into the human heart, and therefore should 
always speak with caution and diffidence, when, from ex- 
ternal appearances or declarations, we are affirming the ex- 
istence of any internal principles and feelings ; especially as 
we are liable to be misled by the ambiguities of language, or 
by the inaccuracy with which others may express them- 
selves. But it is sometimes not difficult to any one who is 
accustomed, if the phrase may by allowed, to the anatomy 
of the human mind, to discern, that, generally speaking, the 
persons who use the above language, rely not so much on 
the merits of Christ, and on the agency of divine grace, as 
on their own power of fulfillingthe moderated requisitions 
of divine justice. He will hence therefore discover in them 
a disposition, rather to extenuate the malignity of their dis- 
ease, than to magnify the excellence of the proffered remedy. 
He will find them apt to palliate in themselves what they 
believe to be their good qualities and commendable ac- 
tions ; to set as it were in an account, the good against the 
bad ; and if the result be not very unfavorable, they con- 
ceive that they shall be entitled to claim the benefits of 
our Saviour's sufferings as a thing of course. They have 
little idea, so little, that it might almost be affirmed that 
they have no idea at all, of the importance or difficulty 
of the duty of what the Scripture calls ' submitting our- 
selves to the righteousness of God ;' or of our proneness 
rather to justify ourselves in his sight, than, in the language 
of imploring penitents, to acknowledge ourselves guilty 
and helpless sinners. They have never summoned them- 
selves to this entire and unqualified renunciation of their own 
merits, and their own strength ; and therefore they remain 
strangers to the natural Joftiness of the human heart, which 
such a call would have awakened into action, and roused to 
resistance. 

Prevailing fundamental misconception of the scheme and 
essential principles of the Gospel, — All these their 

SEVERAL ERRORS NATURALLY RESULT FROM THE 
MISTAKEN CONCEPTION ENTERTAINED OF THE FUN- 
DAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF CHRISTIANITY. They Con- 
sider not that Christianity is a scheme for 'justifying 
the ungodly,'''^ by Christ's dying for them, ' when 
ye t sinners ;^1[ (a) a scheme for reconciling us to God, 



♦Rom. iv. 5. tibid. v. 6—8. 

(a) The writer trusts that he cannot be misunderstood to mean that 
a»y,continuing sinners and ungodly, can, by believing, be accepted, or 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 136 

' when enemies ;' and for making the fruits of holiness the. 
effects,^ not the cause^ of our being justified and reconciled ; 
that, in short, it opens freely the door of mercy to the 
greatest and worst of penitent sinners ; who, obeying the 
blessed impulse of the grace of God, whereby they had been 
awakened from the sleep of death, and moved to seek for 
pardon, may enter in, and, through the regenerating influence 
of the Holy Spirit, be enabled to bring forth the fruits of 
righteousness. But they rather conceive of Christianity 
as opening the door of mercy, that those, who on the ground 
of their own merits could not have hoped to justify them- 
selves before God, may yet be admitted for Christ's sake, on 
condition of their having previously satisfied the moderated 
requisitions of Divine Justice. In speaking to others also 
of the Gospel-scheme, they are apt to talk too much of terms 
and performances on our part, on which we become entitled 
lo an interest in the sufferings of Christ ; instead of stating 
the benefits of Christ's satisfaction as extended to us freely, 
* without money and without price.' 

Some practical consequences of the fundam,ental error above 
pointed out. — The practical consequences of these errors 
are such as might be expected. They tend to prevent that 
sense which we ought to entertain of our own natural misery 
and helplessness ; and that deep feeling of gratitude for the 
merits and intercession of Christ, to which we are wholly 
indebted for our reconciliation to God, and for the will and 
the power, from first to last, to work out our own salvation. 
They consider it too much in the light of a contract between 
two parties, wherein each, independently of the other, has his 

finally saved. The following chapter, particularly the latter part of 
it, (Sect. 6.) would abundantly vindicate him from any such miscon- 
struction. Meanwile he will only remark, that true faith (in which 
repentance is considered as involved) is in Scripture regarded as 
the radical principle of holiness. If the root exists, the proper fruits 
will be brouglu forth. An attention to this consideration would have 
easily explained and reconciled those passages of St. Paul's and St. 
James' Epistles, which have furnished so much matter of argument 
and criticism. St James, it may be observed, all along speaks not 
of a man who has faith, but who says that he hath faith. He con- 
trasts pretended, imperfect, dead faith, with real, complete, living 
faith. This surely must appear decisively clear to those who ob- 
serve, that the conclusion which he deduces from his whole reason- 
ing in verses 23 and 26, respects /aii/i— Abraham believed God, &c. 
Faith without works, &c. It is his great object to assert ^nd estab- 
lish the right kind of faith, and only to deny the utility or value of 
that which falsely usurps the name. — Vide James ii. 14, &c. 
* Vide Chap. IV. Sect. 6. 



136 PRACTICAL VIEW 

own distinct condition to perform : — man — to do his duty ; 
God — to justify and accept for Christ's sake : if they fail not 
in the discharge of their condition, assuredly the condition on 
God's part will be faithfully fulfilled. Accordin<,Hy we find, 
in fact, that they who represent the Gospel-scheme in the 
manner above described, give evidence of the subject with 
which their hearts are most filled, by their proneness to run 
into merely moral disquisitions, either not mentioning at all, 
or at least but cursorily touching on, the suffering and love of 
their Redeemer ; and are little apt to kindle at their Saviour's 
name, or, like the apostles, to be betrayed by their fervor 
into what may be ahuost an untimely descant on the riches of 
his unutterable mercy. In addressing others also, whom 
they conceive to be living inhabits of sin, and under the wrath 
of God, they rather advise them to amend their ways as a 
preparation for their coming to Christ, than exhort them to 
throw themselves with deep prostration of soul at the foot of 
the cross, there to obtain pardon, and find grace to help in 
time of need. 

The great importance of the subject in question will 
justify the writer in having been thus particular. It has 
arisen from a wish that, on a matter of such magnitude, it 
should be impossible to mistake his meaning. But after all 
that has been said, let it also be remembered, that, except so 
far as the instruction of others is concerned, the point of im- 
portance is the internal disposition of the mind ; and it is to 
be hoped, that a dependence for pardon and hohness may be 
placed where it ought to be, notwithstanding the vague man- 
ner in which men express themselves. Let us also hope, 
that he who searches the heart, sees the right dispositions in 
many who use the mistaken and dangerous language to which 
we have objected. 

If the preceding statement of the error so generally preva- 
lent, concerning the nature of the Gospel- offer, be in any 
considerable degree just, it will then explain that languor in 
the affections towards our blessed Saviour, together whh 
that inadequate impression of the necessity and value of the 
assistance of the Divine Spirit, which so generally prevail. 
According to the soundest principles of reasoning, it may 
be also adduced, as an additional proof of the correctness 
of our present statement, that it so exactly falls in with those 
phenomena, and so naturally accounts for them. For even 
admitting that the persons above-mentioned, particularly 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 137 

the last class, do at the bottom rely on the atonement of 
Christ ; yet, on their scheme, it must necessarily happen, 
that the object to which they are most accustomed to look, 
with which their thoughts are chiefly conversant, and from 
which they most habitually derive complacency, is rather 
their own qualified merit and services, though confessed to 
be inadequate, than the sufferings and atoning death of a 
crucified Saviour. The aflfections towards our blessed Lord, 
therefore, (according to the theory of the passions formerly 
laid down) cannot be expected to flourish, because they re- 
ceive not that which was shown to be necessary to their nu- 
triment and growth. If we would love him as affection- 
ately, and rejoice in him as triumphantly, as the first Chris- 
tians did ; we must learn like them to repose our entire trust 
in him, and to adopt the language of the apostle, ' God forbid 
that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus 
Christ.'* — ' Who of God is made ynto us wisdom, and 
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.'"}* 

Condemnation of those ivho abuse the doctrine of free 
Grace, — Doubtless there have been too many, who, to their 
eternal ruin, have abused the doctrine of salvation by graco ; 
and have vainiy trusted in Christ for pardon and acceptance, 
when, by their vicious lives, they have plainly proved 
the groundlessness of their pretensions. The tree is to be 
known by its fruits ; and there is too much reason to fear 
that there is no principle of faith, when it does not decidedly 
evince itself by the fruits of holiness. Dreadful indeed will 
be the doom, above that of all others, of those loose profes- 
sors of Christianity, to whom at the last day our blessed 
Saviour will address those words, ' I never knew you ; de- 
part from me, ail ye that work iniquity.' But the danger 
of error on this side ought not to render us insensible to the 
opposite error : an error against which in these days it seems 
particularly necessary to guard. It is far from the inten- 
tion of the writer of this work to enter into the niceties of 
controversy. But surely without danger of bei«g thought to 
violate this design, he may be permitted to contend, that 
they who in the main believe the doctrines of the Church 
of England, are bound to allow, that our dependance on our 
blessed Saviour, as alone the meritorious cause of our accep- 
tance with God, and as the means of all its blessed fruits and 
glorious consequences, must be not merely formal and nom- 
inaj, but real and substantial ; not vague, quahfied, and par- 
tial, but direct, cordial, and entire. 



♦Gal. vi. 14. t 1 Cor. i. 30. 

12* 



l^S i»RACTtlCAL VIEW 

Believing in Christ, ivhat it really implies.—' Repentance 
towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ,' was 
the sum of the apostolical instructions. It is not an occa- 
sional invocation of the name of Christ, or a transient recog- 
nition of his authority, that fills up the measure of the terms, 
believing tn Jesus. This we shall find no such easy task : 
and, if we trust that we do believe, we should all perhaps do 
well to cry out in the words of an imploring suppliant, (he sup- 
plicated not in vain,) ' Lord, help thou our unbelief.' We 
must be deeply conscious of our guilt and misery, heartily re- 
penting of our sins, and firmly resolving to forsake them : and 
thus penitently * fleeing for refuge to the hope set before 
us,' we must found altogether on the merit of the crucified 
Redeemer our hopes of escape from their deserved punish- 
ment, and of deliverance from their enslaving power. This 
must be our first, our last, our only plea. We are to surren- 
der ourselves up to him to ' be washed in his blood,'* to be 
sanctified by his Spirit, resolving to receive him for our 
Lord and Master, to learn in his school, to obey all his com- 
mandments. 

Answer to the objection, that ive insist on metaj^hysical 
niceties. — It may perhaps be not unnecessary, after having 
treated so largely on this important topic, to add a few words 
in order to obviate a charge which may be urged against us, 
that we are insisting on nice and abstruse distinctions in what 
is a matter of general concern : and this too in a sj^stem which, 
pn its original promulgation, was declared to be peculiarly 
intended for the simple and poor. It will be abundantly 
evident, however, on a little reflection, and experience fully 
proves the position, that what has been required is not the 
perception of a subtile distinction, but a state and condition 
of heart. To the former, the poor and the ignorant must be 
indeed confessed unequal ; but they are far less indisposed 
than the great and the learned, to bow down to that 
' preaching of the cross, which is to them that perish fool- 
ishness, but unto them that are saved the power of God, and 
the wisdom of God.' The poor are not liable to be puffed 
up by the intoxicating fumes of ambition and worldly gran- 
deur. They are less likely to be kept from entering into 
the straight and narrow way, and, when they have entered, 
to be drawn back again, or to be retarded in their progress, 
by the cares or pleasures of life. They may express them- 
selves ill : but their views may be simple, and their hearts 
humble, penitent, and sincere. It is, as in other cases ; the 
vulgar are the subjects of phenomena, the learned explain 

*Rev. i. 5. 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 139 

them : the former know nothing of the theory of vision or of 
sentiment ; but this ignorance hinders them not from seeing 
and thinking ; and though unable to discourse elaborately on 
the passions, they can feel warmly for their children, their 
friends, their country. 

The atonement and grace of Christ further pressed as the 
subject of our habitual regard, — After this digression, if that 
be indeed a digression which, by removing a formidable objec- 
tion, renders the truth of the positions we wish to establish 
more clear and less questionable, we may now resume the 
thread of our argument. Still entreating, therefore, the at- 
tention of those who have not been used to think much of the 
necessity of this undivided, and, if it may be so termed, una- 
dulterated reliance, for which we have been contending, we 
would still more particularly address ourselves to others who 
are disposed to believe, that though, in some obscure and 
vague sense, the death of Christ as the satisfaction for oursins, 
and for the purchase of our future happiness, and the sanctify- 
ing influence of the Holy Spirit, are to be admitted as funda- 
mental articles of our creed, yet these are doctrines so much 
above us, that they are not objects suited to our capacities ; 
and that, turning our eyes therefore from these difficult 
speculations, we should fix them on the practical and moral 
precepts of the Gospel. ' These it most concerns us to 
know ; these therefore let us study. Such is the frailty of 
our nature, such the strength and number of our temptations 
to evil, that, in reducing the Gospel morality to practice, we 
shall find full employment : and by attending to these moral 
precepts, rather than to those high mysterious doctrines 
which you are pressing on us, we shall best prepare to ap- 
pear before God on that tremendous day, when ' He shall 
judge every man according to his works.' " 

" Vain wisdom all, aiad false philosophy !" 

It will at once dstroy this flimsy web, to reply in the words 
of our blessed Saviour, and of his beloved disciple — * This 
is the work of God, that ye believe in him whom he hath 
sent.'* * This is his commandment^ that we should believe 
on the name of his Son Jesus Christ.'| In truth, if we con- 
sider but for a moment the opinions of men who argue thus, 
we must be conscious of their absurdity. Let the modern 
Unitarians reduce the Gospel to a mere system of ethics, but 

♦John, vi. 29. t 1 John, iii- 23. 



140 OP CHRISTIANITY. 

surely it is in the highest degree unreasonable to admit into 
our scheme all the grand peculiarities of Christianity, and 
having admitted, to neglect and think no more of them ! 
• Wherefore' (might the Socinian say) ' Wherefore all 
this costly and complicated machinery ? It is like the Ty- 
chonic astronomy, encumbered and self-convicted by its own 
complicated relations and useless perplexities. It is so little 
like the simplicity of nature, it is so unworthy of the divine 
hand, that it even offends against those rules of propriety 
which we require to be observed in the imperfect composi- 
tions of the human intellect.'* 

Well may the Socinian assume this lofty tone, with those 
whom we are now addressing. If these be indeed the doc- 
trines of Revelation, common sense suggests to us that, from 
their nature and their magnitude, they deserve our most se- 
rious regard. It is the very theology of Epicurus to allow 
the existence of these ' heavenly things,' but to deny their 
connection with human concerns, and their influence on 
human actions. Besides the unreasonableness of this con- 
duct, we might strongly urge also in this connection the pro- 
faneness of thus treating, as matters of subordinate consider- 
ation, those parts of the system of Christianity, which are so 
strongly impressed on our reverence by the dignity of the 
person to whom they relate. This very argument is indeed 
repeatedly and pointedly pressed by the sacred writers. | 

Nor is the profane irreverence of this conduct more strik- 
ing than its ingratitude. When from reading that our Sav- 
iour was ' the brightness of his Father's glory, and the ex- 
press image of his person, upholding all things by the word 
of his power,' we go on to consider the purpose for which 
he came on earth, and all that he did and suffered for us ; 
surely, if we have a spark of ingenuousness left within us, 
we shall condemn ourselves as guilty of the blackest ingrati- 
tude, in rarely noticing, or coldly turning away, on what- 
ever shallow pretences, from the contemplation of these mira- 
cles of mercy. For those baser minds, however, on which 
fear alone can operate, that motive is superadded ; and we 
are plainly forewarned, both directly and indirectly, by the 
example of the Jewish nation, that God will not hold them 
guiltless who are thus unmindful of his most signal acts of 
condescension and kindness. But as this is a question of 
pure revelation, reasonings from probability j may not be 

* Nee Deus inters! t, &c. f Vide Heb. ii. 1, &c. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 141 

deemed decisive. To revelation, therefore, we must ap- 
peal ; and without entering into a labored discussion of the 
subject, which might be to trespass on the reader^s patience, 
I would refer him to the sacred writings themselves tor com- 
plete satisfaction. We would earnestly recommend it to him 
to weigh with the utmost seriousness those passages of 
Scripture wherein the peculiar doctriness of Christianity are 
expressly mentioned ; and farther, to attend, with due regard, 
to the illustration and confirmation, which the conclusions 
resulting from those passages incidentally receive from other 
parts of the word of God. They who maintain the opinion 
which we are combating, will thereby become convinced that 
theirs is indeed an unscriptural religion ; and will learn, in- 
stead of turning off their eyes from the grand peculiarities of 
Christianity, to keep these ever in view, as the pregnant prin- 
ciples whence all the rest must derive their origin, and re- 
ceive their best support.* 

* Any one who wishes to investigate this subject, will do well to 
study attentively M'Laurin's Essay on Prejudices against the Gos- 
pel. — It may not be amiss here to direct the reader's attention to a 
few leading arguments, many of them those of the work just recom- 
mended. Let him maturely estimate the force of those terms, where- 
by the apostle in the following passages designates and characterizes 
the whole of the Christian system : ' We preach Christ crucified ' — 
* We determined to know nothing among you, save Jesus -Christ, 
and him crucified.' The value of this argument will be acknowledged 
by all who consider, that a system is never designated by an im- 
material or an inferior part of it, but by that which constitutes its 
prime consideration and essential distinction. The conclusion sug- 
gested by this remark is confirmed by the Lord's Supper being a rite 
by which our Saviour himself commanded his disciples to keep him 
in remembrance ; and, indeed, a similar lesson is taught by the Sa- 
crament of Baptism, which shadows out our souls being washed and 
purified by the blood of Christ. Observe, next, the frequency with 
which our Saviour's death and sufferings are introduced, and how 
often they are urged as practical motives. 

* The minds of the apostles seem full of this subject. Every thing 
puts them in mind of it, they did not allow themselves to have it 
long out of their view, nor did any other branch of spiritual instruc- 
tion make them lose sight of it.' Consider, next, that part of the 
Epistle to the Romans, wherein St. Paul speaks of some who went 
about to establish their own righteousness, and had not submitted 
themselves to the righteousness of God. May not this charge be in 
some degree urged, and even more strongly than in the case of the 
Jews, against those who satisfy th.mselves with vague, general, oc« 
casional thoughts of our Saviour's mediation ; and the source of 
whoso habitual complacency, as we explained above, is rather their 
being tolerably well satisfied with their OAvn characters and conduct 1 
Yet St. Paul declares concerning those of whom he speaks, as con- 
cerning persons whose sad situation could not be too much lamented, 



142 PRACTICAL VIEW 

Conclusion. — Let us then, each for himself, solemnly ask 
ourselves, whether we have fled for refuge to the appointed 
hope 1 And whether we are habitually looking to it, as the 
only source of consolation ? * Other foundation can no man 
lay :' there is no other ground for dependence, no other plea for 
pardon ; but here there is hope, even to the uttermost. 
Let us labor then to affect our hearts with a deep convic- 
tion of our need of a Redeemer, and of the value of his 
offered mediation. Let us fall down humbly before the 
throne of God, imploring p'ty and pardon in the name of the 
Son of his love. Let us beseech him to give us a true 
spirit of repentance, and of hearty undivided faith in the 
Lord Jesus. Let us not be satisfied till the cordiality of 
our belief be confirmed to us by that character with which 
we are furnished by an inspired writer, * that to as many as 
believe, Christ is precious ;' and let us strive to increase daily 
in /o?/'e towards our blessed Saviour ; and pray earnestly 
that ' we may be filled with joy and peace in believing, 
that we may abound in hope through the power of the Holy 
Ghost.' Let us diligently put in practice the directions 
already given for cherishing and cultivating the principle of 
the love of Christ. With this view let us labor assid- 

that he had great heaviness and continual sorrow in his heart, adding 
still more emphatical expressions of deep and bitter regret. 

Let the Epistle to the Galatians be also carefully examined and 
considered ; and let it be fairly asked, what was the particular in 
which the Judaizing Christians were defective, and the want of 
which is spoken of in such strong terms as these ; that it frustrates 
the grace of God, and must debar from all the benefits of the death 
of Jesus ? The Judaizing converts were not immoral. They 
seem to have admitted the chief tenets concerning our Saviour. But 
they appear to have been disposed to trust not wholly, be it observed 
also, but only in part, for their acceptance with God, to the Mosaic 
institutions, instead of reposing entirely on the merits of Christ. 
Here let it be remembered, that when a compliance with these insti- 
tutions was not regarded as conveying this inference, the apostle 
showed by his own conduct, that he did not deem it criminal ; whence, 
no less than from the words of the Epistle, it is clear that the offence 
of the Judaizing Christians whom he condemned was what we have 
stated ; that their crime did not consist in their obstinately continuing 
to adhere to a dispensation, the ceremonial of which Christianity had 
abrogated, nor yet that it rose out of the sacrifices of the Levitical 
law, being from their very nature without efficetcy for the blotting 
out of sin. — Vide Hebrews, x. 4, &c. — It was not that thefoundation 
on which they built was of a sandy nature, but that they built on 
any other foundation than that which God had laid in the Gospel ; 
it was not that they fixed their confidence on a false or a de- 
fective object, but that they did not direct it exclusively to the only 
true object of hope held forth to us by the Gospel. 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 143 

uously to increase in knowledge, that our affection to the 
Lord who bought us may be deeply rooted and rational. 
By frequent meditation on the incidents of our Saviour's life, 
and still more on the astonishing circumstances of his death; 
by often calling to mind the state from which he proposes 
to rescue us, and the glories of his heavenly kingdom : by 
continued intercourse with him of prayer and praise, of de- 
pendence and confidence in dangers, of hope and joy in 
our brighter hours, let us endeavor to keep him constantly 
present to our minds, and to render all our conceptions of 
him more distinct, lively, and intelligent. The title of 
Christian is a reproach to us, if we estrange ourselves from 
him after whom we are denominated. The name of Jesus 
is not to be to us like the Allah of the Mahometans, a talis- 
man or an amulet, to be worn on the arm, merely as an 
external badge and symbol of our profession, and to preserve 
us from evil by some mysterious and unintelligible potency ; 
but it is to be engraven deeply on the heart, there written 
by the finger of God himself in everlasting characters. It 
is our sure and undoubted title to present peace and future 
glory. The assurance which this title conveys of a bright 
reversion, will lighten the burdens, and alleviate the sorrows 
of life ; and in some happier moments, it will impart to us 
somewhat of that fulness of joy which is at God's right hand, 
enabling us to join even herein the heavenly hosannah : 
* Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power, and 
riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and 
blessing.'* — ' Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, 
be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the 
Lamb for ever and ever.'l 



*Rev. V. 12. t lb. 13. 



144 PRACTICAL VIEW 



CHAPTER IV. 

ON THE PREVAILING INADEQUATE CONCEPTIONS CON- 
CERNING THE NATURE AND THE STRICTNESS OF PRAC- 
TICAL CHRISTIANITY. 

Sect. I. 

One part of the foregoing title, may perhaps, on the first 
view, excite some surprise, in such of my readers as may 
have drawn a hasty inference from the charges conveyed by 
the two preceding chapters. It might perhaps be expected, 
that they who have very low conceptions of the corruption of 
human nature, would be proportionably less indulgent to hu- 
man frailty ; and that they who lay little stress on Christ's 
satisfaction for sin, or on the operations of the Holy Spirit, 
would be more high and rigid in their demands of diligent 
endeavors after universal holiness ; since their scheme im- 
plies, that we must depend chiefly on our own exertions and 
performances for our acceptance with God. 

But any such expectations as these would be greatly dis- 
appointed. There is in fact a region of truth, and a region 
of errors. They who hold the fundamental doctrines of 
Scripture in their due force, hold also in its due degree 
of purity the practical system which Scripture inculcates. 
But they who explain away the former, soften down the lat- 
ter also, and reduce it to the level of their own defective 
scheme. It is not from any confidence in the superior 
amount of their own performances, or in the greater vigor 
of their own exertions, that they reconcile themselves to 
their low views of the satisfaction of Christ, and of the in- 
fluence of the Spirit ; but it rather seems to be their plan 
so to depress the required standard of practice, that no man 
need fall short of it, and that no superior aid can be want- 
ed for enabling us to attain to it. It happens, however, 
with respect to their simple method of morality, as in the 
case of the short ways to knowledge, of which some vain 
pretenders have vaunted themselves to be possessed : des- 
pising the beaten track in which more sober and humble 
spirits have been content to tread, they have indignantly 
struck into new and untried paths ; but these have failed of 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 14$ 

conducting ihem to the right object, and have issued only 
in ignorance and conceit. 

It seems in our days to be the commonly received opin- 
ion, that, provided a man admit in general terms the truth 
of Christianity, though he neither know nor consider much 
concerning the particulars of the system ; and if he be 
not habitually guilty of any of the grosser vices against 
his fellow-creatures ; we have no great reason to be dissat- 
isfied with him, or to question the validity of his claim to 
the name and privileges of a Christian. The title implies no 
more than a sort of formal, general assent to Christianity in 
the gross, and a degree of morality in practice, little if at all 
superior to that for which we look in a good Deist, Mussul- 
man, or Hindoo. 

Should any be disposed to deny that this is a fair repre- 
sentation of the religion of the bulk of the Christian world, 
they might be asked, whether, if it were proved to them be- 
yond dispute, that Christianity is a mere forgery, this would 
occasion any great change in their conduct or habits of 
mind? Would any alteration be made in consequence of this 
discovery, except in a [ew of their speculative opinions, 
which, when distinct from practice, it is a part of their own 
system to think of little consequence 1 and, with regard to 
public worship, (knowing the good effects of religion upon 
the lower orders of the people,) they might still think it bet- 
ter to attend occasionally for example sake. Would not a 
regard for their character, their health, their domestic and 
social comforts, still continue to restrain them from vicious 
excesses, and prompt them to persist in the discharge, ac- 
cording to their present measure, of the various duties of 
their stations ? Would they find themselves dispossessed of 
what had been to them hitherto the repository of counsel and 
instruction, the rule of their conduct, the source of their 
peace, and hope, and consolation ? 

It were needless to put these questions. They are an- 
swered in fact already by the lives of many known unbeliev- 
ers, betwee.i whom and these professed Christians, even the 
familiar associates of both, though men of discernment and 
observation, would discover little difference either in conduct 
or temper of mind. How little then does Christianity de- 
serve that title to novelty and superiority which h:is been 
almost universally admitted; that pre-eminence, as a practi- 
cal code, over all other systems of ethics ? How unmerited 
are the praises which have been lavished upon it by its 
13 



146 PRACTICAL VIEW 

friends ; praises, in which even its enemies (not in general 
disposed to make concessions in its favor) have so often been 
unwarily drawn in to acquiesce ! 

Was it then for this that the Son of God condescended to 
become our instructor, and our pattern, leaving us an exam- 
ple that we might tread in his steps ? Was it for this that the 
apostles of Christ voluntarily submitted to hunger, and na- 
kedness, and pain, and ignominy, and death, when forewarn- 
ed too by their Master that such would be their treatment? 
That, after all, their disciples should attain to no higher a 
strain of virtue than those who, rejecting their divine authori- 
ty, should still adhere to the old philosophy ? 

But it may perhaps be objected, that we are forgetting an 
observation which we ourselves have made, that Christianity 
has raised the general standard of morals ; to which therefore 
Infidelity herself now finds it prudent to conform, availing 
herself of the pure morality of Christianity, and sometimes 
wishing to usurp to herself the credit of it, while she stigma- 
tizes the authors with the epithets of ignorant dupes or design- 
ing impostors. 

But let it be asked, are the motives of Christianity so little 
necessary to the practice of it, its principles to its conclusions, 
that the one may be spared, and yet the other remain in 
undiminished force ? If so, its doctrines are no more than a 
barren and inapplicable, or at least an unnecessary, theory ; 
the place of which, it may perhaps be added, would be well 
supplied by a more simple and less costly scheme. 

But can it be ? Is Christianity then reduced to a mere 
creed? Is its practical influence bounded within a few ex- 
ternal plausibilities ? Does its essence consist only in a 
few speculative opinions, and a few useless and unprofitable 
tenets ? And can this be the ground of that portentous dis- 
tinction, which is so unequivocally made by the evangelist be- 
tween those who accept, and those who reject, the Gospel — 
*He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life ; and 
he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life ; but the 
wrath of God abideth on him?' This were to run into the 
very error which the bulk of professed Christians would be 
most forward to condemn, of making an unproductive faith 
the rule of God's future judgment, and the ground of an eter- 
nal separation. Thus, not unlike the rival circumnaviga- 
tors from Spain and Portugal, who setting out in contrary 
directions, found themselves in company at the very time 
they thought themselves farthest from each other; so the 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 147 

bulk of professed Christians arrive, though by a different 
course, almost at the very same point, and occupy nearly the 
same station as a set of enthusiasts, who also rest upon a 
barren faith, to whom on the first view they might be 
thought the most nearly opposite, and whose tenets they 
with reason profess to hold in peculiar detestation. By 
what pernicious courtesy of language is it, that this wretched 
system has been flattered with the name of Christianity 1 

Slrictness of true practical Christianity, — The morality of 
the Gospel is not so slight a fabric. Christianity, throughout 
the whole extent, exhibits proofs of its divine original, and its 
practical precepts are no less pure than its doctrines are sub- 
lime. Can the compass of language furnish injunctions 
stricter in their measure, or larger in their comprehension, 
than those with which the word of God abounds? — ' Whatso- 
ever ye do in ivord or deed, do all in the name of the Lord 
Jesus :' — ' Be ye holy, /or God is holy :' — ' Be ye perfect, as 
your Father which is in heaven is perfect :' We are com- 
manded to ^perfect holiness,' to 'go on unio perfection.^ 

Such are the Scripture admonitions ; and surely they to 
whom such admonitions are addressed, may not safely acqui- 
esce in low attainments. This is a conclusion to which we 
are led, as well by the force of the expressions by which 
Christians are characterized in Scripture, as by the radical 
change which is represented as taking place in every man 
on his becoming a real Christian. ' Every one,' it is said, 
' that hath this hope, purifieth himself even as God is pure :' 
true Christians are said to be ' partakers of the Divine na- 
ture ;' — * to be created anew in the image of God ;' — to 
be ' temples of the Holy Ghost.' The effects of which 
must appear 'in all goodness, and righteousness, and 
truth.' 

Great as was the progress which the apostle Paul had 
made in all virtue, he declares of himself that he still press- 
es forward, 'forgetting the things which are behind, and 
reaching forth unto ihe things which are before.' He prays 
for his beloved converts, ' that they may be filled with all 
the fullness of God ;' ' that they may be filled with the 
fruits of righteousness :' ' that they might walk worthy of 
the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good 
work.' And from one of the petitions, which our blessed 
Saviour inserts in that form of prayer which he has given as 
a model for our Imitation, we may infer, that the habitual 



148 



PRACTICAL VIEW 



sentiment of our hearts ought to be, ' Thy will be done in 
earth as it is in heaven.^ 

These few extracts from the word of God will serve abun- 
dantly to evince the strictness of the Christian morality ; but 
this point will be still more fully established, when we pro- 
ceed to investigate the ruling principles of the Christian 
character. 



And its essential nature opened and stated. — I apprehend 
the essential practical characteristic of true Christians to be 
this: — that, relying on the promises to repenting sinners of 
acceptance through the Redeemer, they have renounced and 
abjured all other masters, and have cordially and unreser- 
vedly devoted themselves to God. This is indeed the very 
figure which baptism daily represents to us : like the father 
of Hannibal, we there bring our infant to the altar, we conse- 
crate him to the service of his proper owner, and vow in his 
name etern^ hostilities against all the enemies of his salva- 
tion. After the same manner, Christians are become sworn 
enemies of sin ; they will henceforth hold no parley with it, 
they will allow it in no shape, they will admit it to no compo- 
sition ; the war which they have denounced against it is cor- 
dial, universal, irreconcileable. 

But this is not all — It is now their determined purposB 
to yield themselves without reserve to the reasonable ser- 
vice of their rightful Sovereign. ' They are not their own :' 
— their bodily and mental faculties, their natural and ac-- 
quired endowments, their substance, their authority, their 
time, their influence ; all these they consider as belonging to 
them, not for their own gratification, but as so many instru- 
ments to be consecrated to the honor of God, and em- 
ployed in his service. This is the master-principle to which 
every other must be subordinate. Whatever may have been 
hitherto their ruling passion, whatever hitherto their leading 
pursuit, whether sensual or intellectual, whether of science, 
of taste, of fancy, or of feeling, it must now possess but a 
secondary place ; or rather (to speak more correctly) it 
must exist only at the pleasure of its true and legitimate 
superior, and be put altogether under its direction and con- 
trol. 

Thus it is the prerogative of Christianity ' to bring into 
captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.' They 
who really feel its power, are resolved to live no longer to 
themselves, but to ' him that died for them :' they know 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 149 

indeed, their own infirmities ; they know, that the way on 
which they have entered is strait and difficult, but they know 
too the encouraging assurance, ' They who wail on the Lord 
shall renew their strength ;' and relying on this animating 
declaration, they deliberately purpose that, so far as they may 
be able, the grand governing maxim of their future lives 
shall be ' to do all to the glory of God.^ 

Behold here the seminal principle, which contains within it, 
as in an embryo state, the rudiments of all true virtue; 
which, striking deep its roots, though feeble perhaps, and 
lowly in its beginnings, yet silently progressive, and almost 
insensibly maturing, will shortly, even in the bleak and 
churlish temperature of this world, lift up its head and spread 
abroad its branches, bearing abundant fruits ; precious fruits 
of refreshment and consolation, of which the boasted products 
of philosophy are but sickly imitations void of fragrance and 
cf flavor. But, 

Igneus est ollis vigor et coelestis origo. 

At length it shall be transplanted into its native region, and 
enjoy a more genial climate, and a kindlier soil ; and burst- 
ing forth into full luxuriance, with unfading beauty and 
unexhausted odors, shall flourish for ever in the paradise of 
God. 

But while the servants of Christ continue in this life, 
glorious as is the issue of their labors, they receive but too 
many humiliating memorials of their remaining imperfections, 
and they daily find reason to confess, that they cannot do the 
things that they would. Their determination, however, is 
still unshaken, and it is the fixed desire of their hearts to im- 
prove in all holiness — and this, let it be observed, on many 
accounts. — Various passions concur to push them forward 5 
they are urged on by the dread of failure, in this arduous but 
necessary work ; they trust not, where their all is at stake, 
to lively emotions, or to internal impressions, however 
warm ; the example of Christ is their pattern, the word of 
God is their rule : there they read, that ' without holiness no 
man shall see the Lord.' It is the description of real Chris- 
tians, that ' they are gradually changed into the image of their 
Divine Master ;' and they dare not allow themselves to be- 
lieve their title sure, except so far as they can discern in 
themselves the growing traces of this blessed resemblance. 
13* 



ISO ^RActicAt View 

It is not merely however by the fear of misery, and the 
desire of happiness, that they are actuated in their endeavors 
to excel in all holiness ; they love it for its own sake ; nor 
is ii solely by the sense of self-interest (a principle it must be 
confessed of an inferior order, though often unreasonably 
condemned) that they are influenced in their determination 
to obey the will of God, and to cultivate his favor. This 
determination has its foundations indeed in a deep and hu- 
miliating sense of his exalted majesty and infinite power, 
and of their own extreme inferiority and littleness, attended 
with a settled conviction of its being their duty, as his crea- 
tures, to submit in all things to the will of their great Creator. 
But these awful impressions are relieved and ennobled by an 
admiring sense of the infinite perfections and infinite amiable- 
ness of the divine character; animated by a confiding, though 
humble, hope of his fatherly kindness and protection ; and 
quickened by the grateful recollection of immense and con- 
tinually increasing obligations. This is the Christian love 
of God! A love compounded of admiration, of preference, 
of hope, of trust, of joy ; chastised by reverential awe, and. 
wakeful with continual gratitude. 

I would here express myself with caution, lest I should 
inadvertently wound the heart of some weak but sincere be- 
liever. The elementary principles which have been above 
enumerated, may exist in various degrees and proportions. 
A difference in natural disposition, in the circumstances of 
the past life, and in numberless other particulars, may occa- 
sion a great difference in the predominant tempers of different 
Christians* In one the love, in another the fear, of God, may 
have the ascendancy ; trust in one, and in another gratitude ; 
but in greater or less degrees, a cordial complacency in the 
sovereignty of the Divine Being, an exalted sense of his 
perfections, a grateful impression of his goodness, and an 
humble hope of his favor, are common to them all. — Com- 
mon — the determination to devote themselves without ex- 
ceptions, to the service and glory of God. — Common — the 
desire of holiness and of continual progress towards perfec- 
tion. — Common — an abasing consciousness of their own un- 
worthiness, and of their many remaining infirmities, which 
interpose so often to corrupt the simplicity of their intentions, 
to thwart the execution of their purer purposes, and frustrate 
the resolutions of their better hours. 

But some, perhaps, who will not directly oppose the con- 
clusions for which we have been contending, may endea- 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 161 

vour to elude them. It may be urged, that to represent 
them as of general application, is going much too far; and, 
however true in the case of some individuals of a higher or- 
der, it may be asserted, they are not applicable to ordinary 
Christians ; from these so much will not surely be expected ; 
and here perhaps there may be a secret reference to that 
supposed mitigation of the requisitions of the divine law 
under the Christian dispensation, which we have already 
noticed as being too prevalent among professing Christians. 
This is so important a point that it ought not to be passed 
over: let us call in the authority of Scripture; where the 
difficulty is not to find proofs, but to select with discretion 
from the multitude which pour in upon us. Here also, as in 
former instances, the positive injunctions of Scripture are 
confirmed and illustrated by various considerations and infer- 
ences, suggested by other parts of the sacred writings, all 
tending to the same infallible conclusion. 

Precejjts in broad terms.-^In the first place, the precepts 
are expressed in the most general terms : there is no hint 
given, that any persons are at liberty to conceive themselves 
exempted from the obligation of them ; and in any who are 
disposed to urge such a plea of exemption, it may well ex- 
cite the most serious apprehension to consider, how the plea 
would be received by an earthly tribunal. No weak argu- 
ment this to such as are acquainted with the Scriptures, and 
who know how often God is there represented as reasoning 
with mankind on the principles which they have established 
for their dealings with each other. 

The precepts universal, because resulting from the relations 
common to all Christians^ — But, in the next place, the pre- 
cepts of the Gospel contain within themselves abundant 
proofs of their universal application, inasmuch as they are 
grounded on circumstances and relations common to all 
Christians, and of the benefits of which, even our objectors 
themselves (though they would evade the practical deductions 
from them) would not be willing to rehnquish their share. 
Christians ' are not their own,' because ' they are bought tviih 
a price ;' they are not ' to live unto themselves, but to him 
that died for them ,=' they are commanded to do the most dif- 
ficult duties, ' that they may be the children of their Father 
which is in heaven ;' and ' except a man be born again of 
the Spirit,^ (thus again becoming one of the sons of God,) 



152 PRACTICAL VIEW 

* he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.^ It is ' be^ 
cause they are sons^'^ that God has given them what in Scrip- 
ture language is styled * the spirit of adoption,^ It is only of 
' as many as are led by the Spirit of God,^ that it is declared 
that ' they are the sons of God ;' and we are expressly 
warned, (in order as it were, to prevent any such loose pro- 
fession of Christianity as that which we are here combating,) 
' If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.^ 
In short, Christians in general are every where denominated 
the servants and the children of God, and are required to 
serve him with that submissive obedience, and that affection- 
ate promptitude, which belong to those endearing relations. 

Strong practical Precepts and other Confirmations, — 
Estimate, next, the force of that well-known passage — 

* Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and 
with all thy mind, and with all thy soul, and with all thy 
strength !' The injunction is multiplied on us, as it were, 
to silence the sophistry of the caviller, and to fix the most 
inconsiderate mind. And though, for the sake of argument, 
we should concede for the present, that, under the qualifica- 
tions formerly suggested an ardent and vigorous affection 
were not indispensably required of us ; yet surely if the 
words have any meaning at all, the least which can be in- 
tended by them is, that settled predominant esteem and cor- 
dial preference for which we are now contending. The con- 
clusion which this passage forces on us, is strikingly con- 
firmed by other parts of Scripture, wherein the love of God is 
positively commended to the whole of a Christian church ;* 
or wherein the want of it,| or wherein its not being the chief 
and ruling affection, is charged on persons professing them- 
selves Christians, as being sufficient to disprove their claim 
to that appellation, or as being equivalent to denying it. J 
Let not, therefore, any deceive themselves by imagining, 
that only an absolute unqualified renunciation of the desire 
of the favor of God is here condemned. God will not ac- 
cept of a divided affection ; a single heart, and a single eye, 
are in express terms declared to be indispensably required 
of uss We are ordered, under the figure of amassing 



*2Cor. xiii. 14. 

t 1 John iii. 17.— Rom. xvi. 18.— Compared with Philip, iii. 19. 
also 1 Cor. xvi. 22, 
X 2 Tim. iii. 4. 



OF CHRISTIANITY, 153 

heavenly treasure, to make the favor and service of God our 
c/ii^ pursuit, for this very reason, because ^ivliere our ireas- 
tire iSf there will our hearts he also.^ It is on this principle 
that, in speaking of particular vices, such phrases are often 
used in Scripture, as suggest that their criminality mainly 
consists in drawing away the heart from Him who is the just 
object of its preference ; and that sins, which we might think 
very different in criminality, are classed together, because 
they all agree in this grand character. Nor is this preference 
asserted only over affections which are vicious in them- 
selves, and to which therefore Christianity might as well be 
supposed hostile, but over those also which in their just mea- 
sure are not only lawful, but even most strongly enjoined on 
us. ' He that lovelh father and mother more than me,' says 
our blessed Saviour, ' is not worthy of me ;' ' and he that 
loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worihy of me.'* 
The spirit of these injunctions harmonizes with many com- 
mendations in Scripture, of zeal for the honor of God ; as 
well as with that strong expression of disgust and abhorrence 
with which the lukewarm, those that are neither cold nor hot, 
are spoken of as being more loathsome and offensive than 
even open and avowed enemies. 

Another class of instances tending to the same point is fur- 
nished by those many passages of Scripture, wherein the 
promoting of the glory of God is commanded as our supreme 
and universal aim, and wherein the honor due unto Him is 
declared to be that in which he will allow no competitor to 
participate. On this head, indeed, the Holy Scriptures are, 
if possible, more peremptory than on the former ; and at the 
same time so full as to render particular citations unneces- 
sary to those who have ever so little acquaintance with the 
word of God. 

To put the same thing therefore in another light. All who 
have read the Scriptures must confess that idolatry is the crime 
against which God's highest resentment is expressed, and his 
severest punishment denounced. But let us not deceive 
ourselves. It is not in bowing the knee to idols that idolatry 
consists, so much as in the internal homage of the heart ; as in 
feeling towards them any of that supreme love, or reverence, 
or gratitude, which God reserves to himself as his own ex- 
clusive prerogative. On the same principle, whatever else 
draws off the heart from him, engrosses our prime regard, 
and holds the chief place in our esteem and affections, ihat^ 

* Matt. X. 37. 



154 PRACTICAL VIEW 

in the estimation of reason, is no less an idol to us, than an 
image of wood or stone would be, before which we should 
fall down and worship. Think not this a strained analogy ; 
it is the very language and argument of inspiration. The 
servant of God is commanded not to set up his idol in his 
heart ; and sensuality and covetousness are repeatedly termed 
idolatry. The same God who declares — * My glory will I 
not give to another, neither my praise to graven images,' de- 
clares also — ' Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, 
neither let the mighty man glory in his might ; let not the 
rich man glory in his riches.'* 'No flesh may glory in his 
presence ;' ' he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.' 
The sudden vengeance by which the vain-glorious ostentation 
of Herod was punished, when, acquiescing in the servile 
adulation of an admiring multitude, * he gave not God the 
glory,' is a dreadful comment on these injunctions. 

Extreme importance of the above-mentioned coasiderU' 
lions, — These awful declarations, it is to be feared, are little 
regarded. Let the great, and the wise, and the learned, and 
the successful, lay them seriously to heart, and labor habitu- 
ally to consider their superiority, whether derived from nature, 
or study, or fortune, as the unmerited bounty of God. This 
reflection will naturally tend to produce a disposition, in all 
respects the opposite to that proud self-complacency so apt 
to grow upon the human heart: a disposition honorable to God, 
and useful to man ; a temper composed of reverence, humility, 
and gratitude, and delighting to be engaged in the praises, and 
employed in thebenevolentservice, of the universal Benefactor. 

But, to return to our subject, it only remains to be re- 
marked, that here, as in the former instances, the characters 
of the righteous and of the wicked, as dehneated in Scripture, 
exactly correspond with the representations which have been 
given of the Scripture injunctions. 

The necessity of this cordial, unreserved devotedness to 
the glory and service of God, as being indispensable to the 
character of the true Christian, has been insisted on at the 
greater length, not only on account of its own extreme im- 
portance, but also because it appears to be a duty too gen- 
erally overlooked. Once well established, it will serve as 
a fundamental principle both for the government of the 
heart and regulation of the conduct, and will prove eminent- 
ly useful in the decision of many practical cases, which it 

* Jer. ix. 23. 



OF GHRISTlANlTr. l55 

might be difficult to bring under the undisputed operation of 
any subordinate or appropriate rule. 

Sect. II. 

And now, having endeavored to establish the strictness, 
and to ascertain the essential character, of true practical 
Christianity, let us investigate a little more in detail the prac- 
tical system of the bulk of professed Christians among our- 
selves.* 

General notion of practical Christianity amongst the bulk 
of nominal Christians, stated and illustrated* — It was former- 
ly remarked, that the whole subject of religion was often 
viewed from such a distance as to be seen only in the gross. 
We now, it is to be feared, shall find too much cause for be- 
lieving, that they who approach a little nearer, and do discov- 
er in Christianity somewhat of a distinct form, yet come not 
close enough to discern her peculiar lineaments and confor- 
mation. The writer must not be understood to mean, that 
the several misconceptions, which he shall have occasion to 
point out, will be generally found to exist with any thing like 
precision, much less that they are regularly digested into a 
system ; nor will it be expected they all should meet in the 
same person, nor that they will not be found in different peo- 
ple, and under different circumstances, variously blended, 
combined, and modified. It will be enough if we succeed in 
tracing out great and general outlines. The human counte- 
nance may be well described by its general characters, though 
infinitely varied by the peculiarities which belong to different 
individuals, and often by such shades and minutenesses of 
difference, as though abundantly obvious to our percep- 
tions, yet would exceed the power of definition to discrimi- 
nate, or even of language to express. 

A very erroneous notion appears to prevail concerning the 
true nature of religion. Religion, agreeably to what has 
been already stated, (the importance of the subject will ex- 
cuse repetition,) may be considered as the implantation of a 



* It will be remembered by the reader, that it is not the object of 
this work to animadvert on the vices, defects, and erroneous opinions, 
of the times, except so far as they are received into the prevailing 
religious system, or are tolerated by it, and are not thought suffi- 
cient to prevent a man from being esteemed on the whole a very 
tolerable Christian, 



156 PRACTICAL VIEW 

vigorous and active principle ; it is seated in the heart, where 
its authority is recognized as supreme, whence by degrees it 
expels whatever is opposed to it, and where it gradually 
brings all the affections and desires under its complete con- 
trol and regulation. 

But, though the heart be its special residence, it may be 
said to possess in a degree the ubiquity of its divine Author. 
Every endeavor and pursuit must acknowledge its pre- 
sence ; and whatever receives not its sacred stamp, is to 
be condemned as inherently defective, and is to be at once 
relinquished. It is like the principle of vitality, which, ani- 
mating every part, lives throughout the whole of the human 
body, and communicates its kindly influence to the small- 
est and remotest fibres of the frame. But the notion of 
religion entertained by many among us seems altogether 
different. They begin, indeed, in submission to her clear 
prohibitions, by fencing off from the field of human action 
a certain district, which, though it in many parts bear fruits 
on which they cast a longing eye, they cannot but confess to 
be forbidden ground. They next assign to religion a por- 
tion, larger or smal.er, according to whatever may be their 
circumstances and views, in which however she is to pos- 
sess merely a qualified jurisdiction ; and having so done, 
they conceive that without let or hindrance they have a 
right to range at will over the spacious remainder. Religion 
can claim only a stated proportion of their thoughts, their 
time, their fortune, and influence ; and of these, or perhaps 
of any of them, if they make her any thing of a liberal 
allowance, she may well be satisfied : the rest is now their 
own to do what they will with ; they have paid their tithes, 
say rather their composition, the demands of the church are 
satisfied, and they may surely be permitted to enjoy what she 
has left without molestation or interference. 

General consequences of the above-mentioned error. — It is 
scarcely possible to state too strongly the mischief which re- 
sults from this fundamental error. At the same time, its con- 
sequences are so natural and obvious, that one would think it 
scarcely possible not to foresee thatthey must infallibly follow. 
The greatest part of human actions is considered as indiffer- 
ent. If men are not chargeable with actual vices, and are 
decent in the discharge of their religious duties ; if they do not 
stray into the forbidtien ground, if they respect the rights of 
the conceded allotment, what more can be expected from 



Of CHRIStlANltV. 157 

them ? Instead of keeping at a distance from all sin, in which 
alone consists our safety, they will be apt not to care how 
near they approach what they conceive to be the boundary 
line ; if they have not actually passed it, there is no harm 
done, it is no trespass. Thus the free and active spirit of 
religion is ' cribbed and hemmed in ;' she is checked in her 
disposition to expand her territory, and enlarge the circle of 
her influence. She must keep to her prescribed confines, 
and every attempt to extend them will be resisted as an en- 
croachment. 

But this is not all. Since whatever can be gained from 
her allotment, or whatever can be taken in from the forbid- 
den ground, will be so much of addition to that land of lib- 
erty, where men may roam at large, free from restraint or 
molestation, they will of course be constantly, and almost in- 
sensibly, straitening and pressing upon the limits of the reli- 
gious allotment on the one hand ; and, on the other, will be 
removing back a little farther and farther the fence which 
abridges them on the side of the forbidden ground. If re- 
ligion attempt for a time to defend her frontier, she by de- 
crees gives way. The space she occupies diminishes till it 
be scarcely discernable ; whilst, her spirit extinguished, and 
her force destroyed, she is little more than the nominal pos- 
sessor even of the contracted limits to which she has been 
avowedly reduced. 

The preceding statement confirmed by an appeal to various 
classes of nominal Christians. — This, it is to be feared, is but 
too faithful a representation of the general state of things 
among ourselves. The promotion of the glory of God, and 
the possession of his favor, are no longer recognized as the 
objects of our highest regard and most strenuous endeav- 
ors ; as furnishing to us a vigorous, habitual, and universal 
principle of action. We set up for ourselves : we are 
become our own masters. The sense of constant hom- 
age and continual service is irksome and galling to us ; 
and we rejoice in being emancipated from it, as from a 
state of base and servile villenage. Thus the very tenure 
and condition, by which life and all its possessions are 
held, undergo a total change : our faculties and powers 
are now our own : whatever we have is regarded rather as 
a property, than as a trust ; or, if there still exist the remem- 
brance of some paramount claim, we are satisfied with an 
occasional acknowledgment of a nominal right ; we pay oyr 
14 ^ 



168 PRACTICAL VIEW 

pepper-corn, and take our estates to ourselves in full and 
free enjoyment. 

Hence it is that so little sense of responsibility seems at- 
tached to the possession of high rank, or splendid abilities, 
or affluent fortunes, or other means or instruments of useful- 
ness. The instructive admonitions, * Give an account of 
thy stewardship,' — * Occupy till I come,' are forgotten. 
Or if it be acknowledged by some men of larger views 
than ordinary, that a reference is to be had to some princi- 
ple superior to that of our own gratification, it is, at best, to 
the good of society, or to the welfare of our families : and 
even then the obligations resulting from these relations are 
seldom enforced on us by any higher sanctions than those of 
family comfort, and of worldly interest or estimation. Be- 
sides, what multitudes of persons are there, people without 
families, in private stations, or of a retired turn, to whom they 
are scarcely held to apply ! and what multitudes of cases to 
which it would be thought unnecessary scrupulosity to ex- 
tend them ! Accordingly we find, in fact, that the general- 
ity of mankind among the higher order, in the formation of 
their schemes, in the selection of their studies, in the choice 
of their place of residence, in the employment and distribu- 
tion of their time, in their thoughts, conversation, and 
amusements, are considered as being at liberty, if there be 
no actual vice, to consult in the main their own gratifica- 
tion. 

The Idle and Dissipated, — Thus the generous and wakeful 
spirit of Christian benevolence, seeking and finding every 
where occasions for its exercise, is exploded, and a system 
of decent selfishness is avowedly established in its stead ; a 
system scarcely more to be abjured for its impiety, than to be 
abhorred for its cold insensibility to the opportunities of dif- 
fusing happiness. ' Have we no families, or are they pro- 
vided for ? Are we wealthy, and bred to no profession ? 
Are we young and lively, and in the gaiety and vigor of 
youth ? Surely we may be allowed to take our pleasure. 
We neglect no duty, we live in no vice, we do nobody any 
harm, and have a right to amuse ourselves. We have noth- 
ing better to do ; we wish we had ; our time hangs heavy on 
our hands for want of it.' 

* I pity the man who can travel from Dan to Beersheba, 
and cry, " It is all barren." ' No man has a right to be idle. 
—Not to speak of that great work which we all have to ac- 
complish, (and surely the whole attention of a short and 
precarious life is not more than an eternal interest may well 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 159 

require;) where is it that in such a world as this, health, 
and leisure, and affluence, may not find some ignorance to 
instruct, some wrong to redress, some want to supply, some 
misery to alleviate ? Shall ambition and avarice never sleep ? 
Shall they never want objects on which to fasten ? Shall 
they be so observant to discover, so acute to discern, so 
eager, so patient to pursue, and shall the benevolence of 
Christians want employment ? 

Yet thus life rolls away with too many of us in a course 
of' shapeless idleness.' Its recreation constitutes its chief 
business. Watering places — the sports of the field — cards ! 
never-failing cards ! — the assembly — the theatre — all con- 
tribute their aid ; — amusements are multiplied, and com- 
bined, and varied, * to fill up the void of a listless and 
languid life ;' and, by the judicious use of these different 
resources, there is often a kind of sober settled plan of do- 
mestic dissipation, in which, with all imaginable decency, 
year after year wears away in unprofitable vacancy. Even 
old age often finds us pacing in the same round of amuse- 
ments, which our early youth had tracked out. Meanwhile, 
being conscious that we are not giving in to any flagrant 
vice, perhaps that we are guilty of no irregularity, and, it 
may be, that we are not neglecting the offices of rehgion, 
we persuade ourselves that we need not be uneasy. In the 
main we do not fall below the general standard of morals, 
of the class and station to which we belong ; we may there- 
fore allow ourselves to glide down the stream without appre- 
hension of the consequences. 

In the Votaries of sensual pleasures,- — Some, of a charac- 
acter often hardly to be distinguished from the class we 
have been just describing, take up with sensual pleasures. 
The chief happiness of their lives consists in one species or 
another of animal gratification; and these persons perhaps 
will be found to compose a pretty large description. It will 
be remembered that it belongs not to our purpose to speak 
of the grossly and scandalously profligate, who renounce all 
pretensions to the name of Christians ; but of those who, 
maintaining a certain decency of character, and perhaps be- 
ing tolerably observant of the forms of religion, may yet be 
not improperly termed sober sensualisls. These, though less 
impetuous and more measured, are not less staunch and 
steady than the professed votaries of licentious pleasure, in 
the pursuit of their favorite objects. ' Mortify the flesbf 
with its affections and lusts,' is the Christian precept ; a soft 



160 PRACTICAL VIEW 

luxurious course of habitual indulgence, is the practice of 
the bulk of modern Christians ; and that constant modera- 
tion, that wholesome discipline of restraint and self-denial, 
which are requisite to prevent the unperceived encroach- 
ments of the inferior appetites, seem altogether disused, as 
the exploded austerities of monkish superstition. 

Christianity calls her professors to a state of diligent 
watchfulness and active services. But the persons of whom 
we are now speaking, forgetting alike the duties they owe to 
themselves and to their fellow-creatures, often act as though 
their condition were meant to be a state of uniform indul- 
gence, and vacant, unprofitable sloth. To multiply ihe com- 
forts of affluence, to provide for the gratification of appetite, 
to be luxurious without diseases, and indolent v/ithout las- 
situde, seems the chief study of their lives. Nor can they 
be clearly exempted from this class, who, by a common er- 
ror, substituting the means for the end, make the preserva- 
tion of health and spirits, not as instruments of usefulness, 
but as sources of pleasure, their great business and continual 
care. 

In the Votaries of Pomp and Parade. — Others, again, 
seem more to attach themselves to what have been well 
termed the ' pomps and vanities of this world.' Magnificent 
houses, grand equipages, numerous retinues, splendid 
entertainments, high and fashionable connections, appear 
to constitute, in their estimation, the supreme happiness 
of life. This class too, if we mistake not, will be found 
numerous in our days ; for it must be considered, that it is 
the heart set on these things which constitutes the essen- 
tial character. It often happens, that persons, to whose 
rank and station these indulgences most properly belong, 
are most indifferent to them. The undue solicitude about 
them is more visible in persons of inferior conditions and 
smaller fortunes, in whom it is not rarely detected by the 
studious contrivances of a misapplied ingenuity to reconcile 
parade with economy, and to glitter at a cheap rate. But 
this temper of display and competition is a direct contrast 
to the lowly, modest, unassuming carriage of the true 
Christian ; and, wherever there is an evident effort and 
struggle to excel in the particulars here in question, a mani- 
fest wish thus to rival superiors, to outstrip equals, to daz- 
zle inferiors, it is manifest, the great end of life, and of all 
its possessions, is too little kept in view ; and it is to be 



OP CHRISTIANITT. 161 

feared that the gratification of a vain ostentatious humor is 
the predominant disposition of the heart. 

In the votaries of Wealth and Ambition, — As there is a 
sober sensuality, so is there also a sober avarice, and a sober 
ambition. The commercial and the professional world com- 
pose the chief sphere of their influence. They are often re- 
cognized and openly avowed as just master-principles of ac- 
tion. But where this is not the case, they assume such 
plausible shapes, are called by such specious names, and 
urge such powerful pleas, that they are received with cordi- 
ality, and suffered to gather strength without suspicion. The 
seducing considerations of diligence in our callings, of suc- 
cess in our profession, of making handsome provisions for our 
children, beguile our better judgments. 'We rise early, and 
late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness.' In our few in- 
tervals ofieisuie, our exhausted spirits require refreshment ; 
the serious concerns of our immortal souls are matters of 
speculation too grave and gloomy to answer the purpose ; 
and we fly to something that may better deserve the name of 
relaxation, till we are again summoned to the daily labors of 
our employment. 

Meanwhile, religion seldom comes in our way, scarcely 
occurs to our thoughts ; and when some secret misgivings 
begin to be felt on this head, company soon drowns, amuse- 
ments dissipate, or habitual occupations insensibly displace or 
smother the rising apprehension. Professional and commer- 
cial men perhaps, especially when they happen to be persons 
of more than ordinary reflection, or of early habits of piety 
not quite worn away, easily quiet their consciences by the 
plea, that necessary attention to their business leaves them 
no time to think on these serious subjects at present. ' Men 
of leisure they confess should consider them ; they themselves 
will do it hereafter when they retire ; meanwhile they are use- 
fully or at least innocently employed.' Thus business and 
pleasure fill up our time, and the * one thing needful' is for- 
gotten. Respected by others, and secretly applauding our- 
selves, (perhaps congratulating ourselves that we are not like 
such an one who is a spendthrift, or a mere man of pleasure, 
or such another who is a notorious miser,) the true principle 
of action is no less wanting in us ; and personal advance- 
ment, or the acquisition of wealth, is the object of our supreme 
desires and predominant pursuit. 

It would be to presume too much on the reader's patience 
to attempt a delineation of the characters of the politician, tho 
14* 



162 PRACTICAL VIEW 

metaphysician, the scholar, the poet, the virtuoso, the man of 
taste, in all their varieties. Of these, and many other classes 
which might be enumerated? suffice it to remark, and to ap 
peal to every man's own experience for the truth of the obser- 
vation, that they in like manner are often completely engross- 
ed by the objects of their several pursuits. In many of these 
cases, indeed, a generous spirit surrenders itself wholly up 
with the less reserve, and continues absorbed with the fuller 
confidence, from the consciousness of not being led to its 
object by self-interested motives. Here therefore these men 
are ardent, active, laborious, persevering, and they think, and 
speak, and act, as those whose happiness wholly turns on the 
success or failure of their endeavors. When such is the un- 
disturbed composure of mere triflers, it is less wonderful that 
the votaries of learning and taste, when absorbed in their 
several pursuits, should be able to check still more easily any 
growing apprehension, silencing it by the suggestion, that 
they are more than harmlessly, that they are meritoriously, 
employed. ' Surely the thanks of mankind are justly paid 
to those more refined spirits who, superior alike to the seduc- 
tions of ease, and the temptations of avarice, devote their time 
and talents to the less gainful labors of increasing the stores 
of learning or enlarging the boundaries of science ; who are 
engaged in raising the character and condition of society, by 
improving the liberal arts, and adding to the innocent plea- 
sures or elegant accomplishments of life.' Let not the writer 
be so far misunderstood, as to be supposed to insinuate that 
religion is an enemy to the pursuits of taste, much less to 
those of learning and of science. Let these have their due 
place in the estimation of mankind : but this must not be the 
highest place. Let them know their just subordination. 
They deserve not to be the primary concern ; for there is 
another, to which in importance they bear no more propor- 
tion, than our span of existence to eternity. 

Conclusiofi from the preceding review — and general fault 
of all the above classes. — Thus the centre to which the chief 
desires of the heart should tend, losing its attractive force, 
our affections are permitted without control to take that 
course, whatever it may be, which best suits our natural 
temper, or to which they are impelled by our various situations 
and circumstances. Sometimes they manifestly appear to 
be almost entirely confined to a single track ; but perhaps 
more frequently the lines ia which they move are so 



of CHRIStlANlft 163 

intelrningled and diversified, that it becomes not a little 
difficult, even when we look into ourselves, to ascertain the 
object by which they are chiefly attracted, or to estimate with 
precision the amount of their several forces, in the different 
directions in which they move. * Know thyself,' is in truth 
an injunction with which the careless and the indolent can- 
not comply. For this compliance, it is requisite, in obe- 
dience to the Scripture precept, ' to keep the heart with 
all diligence.' Mankind are in general deplorably ignorant 
of their true state ; and there are few, perhaps, who have 
any adequate conception of the real strength of the ties by 
which they are bound to the several objects of their attach- 
ment, or who are aware how small a share of their regard is 
possessed by those concerns on which it ought to be su- 
premely fixed. 

But if it be indeed true, that, except the affections of the 
soul be supremely fixed on God, and unless our leading and 
governing desire and primary pursuit be to possess his 
favor and promote his glory, we are considered as having 
transferred our fealty to an usurper, and as being in fact 
revolters from our lawful sovereign ; if this be indeed the 
Scripture doctrine, all the several attachments which have 
been lately enumerated, of the different classes of society, 
wherever they interest the affections, and possess the soul in 
any such measure of strength as deserves to be called pre- 
dominance, are but so many varied expressions of disloyalty, 
God requires to set up his throne in the heart, and to reign in 
it, without a rival: if he be kept out of his right, it matters 
not by what competitor. The revolt may be more avowed or 
more secret ; it may be the treason of deliberate preference, 
or of inconsiderate levity ; we may be the subjects of a 
master more or less creditable ; we may be employed in ser- 
vices more gross or more refined : but whether the slaves of 
avarice, of sensuality, of dissipation, of sloth, or the votaries 
of ambition, of taste, or of fashion ; whether supremely gov- 
erned by vanity and self-love, by the desire of literary fame 
or of military glory, we are alike estranged from the dominion 
of our rightful sovereign. Let not this seem a harsh po- 
sition ; it can appear so only from not adverting to what v^^as 
shown to be the essential nature of true religion. He who 
bowed the knee to the god of medicine or of eloquence, was 
no less an idolater, than the worshipper of the deified patrons 
of lewdness or of theft. In the several cases which have 
been specified, the external acts indeed are diflFerent, but in 



164 PRACTICAL VIEW 

principle the disaffection is the same ; and unless we return 
to our allegiance, we must expect the title, and prepare to 
meet the punishment, of rebels, on that tremendous day, 
when all false colors shall be done away, and (there being no 
longer any room for the evasions of worldly sophistry, or the 
smooth plausibilities of worldly language) * that which is 
often highly esteemed amongst men, shall appear to have 
been abomination in the sight of God.' 

Effects of the fundamental error above mentioned on our 
judgments and practice in the case of others. — These funda* 
mental truths seem vanished from the mind, and it follows 
of course that every thing is viewed less and less through a 
religious medium. To speak no longer of instances wherein 
we ourselves are concerned, and wherein the unconquerable 
power of indulged appetite may be supposed to beguile our 
better judgment, or force us on in defiance of it; not to insist 
on the motives by which the conduct of men is determined, 
often avowedly, in what are to themselves the most important 
incidents of life ; what are the judgments which they form in 
the case of others ? Idleness, profusion, thoughtlessness, and 
dissipation, the misapplication of time or of talents, the trifling 
away of life in frivolous occupations, or unprofitable studies ; 
all these things we may regret in those around us, in the view 
of their temporal effects ; but they are not considered in a 
religious connection, or lamented as endangering everlasting 
happiness. Excessive vanity and inordinate ambition are 
spoken of as weaknesses rather than as sins ; even covet- 
ousness itself, though a hateful passion, yet, if not extreme, 
scarcely presents the face of irreligion. Is some friend, or 
even some common acquaintance, sick, or has some acci- 
dent befallen him ? How solicitously do we inquire after 
him ; how tenderly do we visit him ; how much perhaps do 
we regret that he has not better advice ; how apt are we to 
prescribe for him ; and how should we reproach ourselves if 
we were to neglect any means in our power of contributing 
to his recovery ! But ' the mind diseased' is neglected and 
forgotten — ' that is not our affair ; we hope (we do not per- 
haps really believe) that here it is well with him.' The truth 
is, we have no solicitude about his spiritual interest. Here 
he is treated like the unfortunate traveller in the Gospel ; we 
look upon him ; we see but too well his sad condition, but 
(Priest and Levite alike) we pass by on the other side, and 
leave him to the officious tenderness of some poor despised 
Samaritan. 

IV ay, take the case of our very children, when, our hearts 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 165 

being most interested to promote their happiness, we must be 
supposed most desirous of determining on right principles, 
and where therefore the real standard of our deliberate judg- 
ments may be indisputably ascertained : in their education 
and marriage, in the choice of their professions, in our com- 
parative consideration and judgment of the different parts of 
their several characters, how little do we reflect that they are 
immortal beings ! Health, learning, credit, the amiable and 
agreeable qualities, above all, fortune and success in life, are 
taken, and not unjustly taken, into the account ; but how small 
a share in forming our opinions is allowed to the probable ef- 
fect which may be produced on their eternal interests ! In- 
deed the subjects of our mutual inquiries, and congratulations, 
and condolences, prove but too plainly what considerations 
are in these cases uppermost in our thoughts. 

Further effects — Religion degraded into a set of Statutes. — 
Such are the fatal and widely spreading effects, which but 
too naturally follow from the admission of the grand funda- 
mental error before mentioned, that of not considering reli- 
gion as a principle of universal application and command. 
Robbed of its best energies, religion now takes the form of a 
cold compilation of restraints and prohibitions. It is looked 
upon simply as a set of penal statutes : these, though wise 
and reasonable, are, however, so far as they extend, abridg- 
ments of our natural liberty, and nothing which comes to us 
in this shape is extremely acceptable : 

Atqui nolint occidere quemquam, posse volunt. 

Considering, moreover, that the matter of them is not in 
general very palatable, and that the partiality of every man 
where his own cause is in question, will be likely to make 
him construe them liberally in his own favor, we might be- 
forehand have formed a tolerable judgment of the manner 
in which they are actually treated. Sometimes, we attend 
to the words rather than to the spirit of Scripture injunc- 
tions, overlooking the principle they involve, which a better 
acquaintance with the Word of God would have clearly taught 
us to infer from them. At others, ' the spirit of an injunc- 
tion is all ;' and this we contrive to collect so dexterously 
as thereby to relax or annul the strictness of the terms : 
* Whatever is not expressly forbidden cannot be very crimi- 
nal ; whatever is not positively enjoined, cannot be indispen- 



166 PRACTICAL VIEW 

sably necessary. If we do not offend against the laws, what 
more can be expected from us ? The persons to whom the 
strict precepts of the Gospel were given, were in very dif- 
ferent circumstances from those in which we are placed. 
The injunctions were drawn rather tighter than is quite 
necessary, in order to allow for a little relax?ition in practice. 
The expressions of the sacred writers are figurative ; the 
eastern style is confessedly hyperbolical.' 

By these and other such dishonest shifts (by which however 
we seldom deceive ourselves, except it be in thinking that 
we deceive others) the pure but strong morality of the Word 
of God is explained away ; and its too rigid canons are sof- 
tened down, with as much dexterity as is exhibited by those 
who practise a logic of the same complexion, in order to es- 
cape from the obligations of the human statutes. 

Like Swifi^s unfortunate brothers,* we are sometimes put 
to difficulties, but our ingenuity is little inferior to theirs. 
If totidem verbis| will not serve our turn, try totidem sylla- 
bis; if totidem syllabis fail, try totidem literis ; then there is 
in our case, as well as in theirs, ' an allegorical sense' to be 
adverted to ; and if every other resource fail us, we come at 
last to the same conclusion as the brothers adopted, that, after 
all, those rigorous clauses require some allowance, and a 
favorable interpretation, and ought to be understood ' cum 
grano salis.' 

But when the law both in its spirit and its letter is obsti- 
nate and incorrigible, what we cannot bend to our purpose 
we must break — ' Our sins, we hope, are of the smaller 
order ; a little harmless gallantry, a little innocent jollity, a 
few foolish expletives which we use from the mere force of 
habit, meaning nothing by them ; a little warmth of color- 
ing and licence of expression ; a few freedoms of speech in 
the gaiety of our hearts, which, though not perhaps strictly 
correct, none but the over-rigid would think of treating any 
otherwise than as venial infirmities, and in which very 
grave and religious men will often take their share, when 
they may throw off their state, and relax without impro- 
priety. We serve an all-merciful Being, who knows the 
frailty of our nature, the number and strength of our tempta- 
tions, and will not be extreme to mark what is done amiss. 
Even the less lenient judicatures of human institution con- 
cede somewhat to the weakness of man. It is an estab- 

* Vide Tale of a Tub. f Ibid. 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 167 

lished maxim — * De minimis non curat lex.' We hope we are 
not worse than the generality. All men are imperfect. 
We own we have our infirmities ; we confess it is so ; we 
wish we were better, and trust as we grow older we shall 
become so; we are ready to acknowledge that w^e must 
be indebted for our admission into a future state of happi- 
ness, not to our own merit, but to the clemency of God, and 
the mercy of our Redeemer." 

But let not this language be mistaken for that of true 
Christian humiliation, of which it is the very essence to feel 
the burden of sin, and to long to be released from it : nor let 
two things be confounded, than which none can be more 
fundamentally different, the allowed want of universality 
in our determination, and endeavor to obey the will of God, 
and that defective accomplishment of our purposes, which 
even the best of men will too often find reason to deplore. 
In the persons of whom we have now been speaking, the 
unconcern with which they can amuse themselves upon the 
borders of sin, and the easy familiarity with which they can 
actually dally with it in its less offensive shapes, show 
plainly that, distinctly from its consequences, it is by no 
means the object of their aversion ; that there is no love of 
holiness as such ; no endeavor to acquire it, no care to pre- 
pare the soul for the reception of this divine principle, and to 
expel or keep under whatever might be likely to obstruct its 
entrance, or dispute its sovereignty. 

Another effect — Religion placed in external actions^ and 
not in habits of mind, — It is indeed a most lamentable con- 
sequence of the practice of regarding religion as a compila- 
tion of statutes, and not as an internal principle, that it soon 
comes to be considered as being conversant about external 
actions rather than about habits of mind. This sentiment 
sometimes has even the hardiness to insinuate and main- 
tain itself under the guise of extraordinary concern for prac- 
tical religion, but it soon discovers the falsehood of this pre- 
tension, and betrays its real nature. The expedient indeed 
of attaining to superiority in practice, by not wasting any of 
the attention on the internal principles from which alone 
practice can flow, is about as reasonable, and will answer 
about as well, as the economy of the architect, who should 
account it mere prodigality to expend any of his materials in 
laying foundations, from an idea that they might be more 
usefully applied to the rising of the superstructure. We 
know what would be the fate of such an edifice. 



168 l?RACtlCAL VIEW 

It is indeed true, and a truth never to be forgotten, that 
all pretensions to internal principles of holiness are vain 
when they are contradicted by the conduct ; but it is no less 
true, that the only effectual way of improving the latter, is 
by a vigilant attention to the former. It was therefore our 
blessed Saviour's injunction, * Make the tree good,' as the 
necessary means of obtaining good fruit; and the Holy 
Scriptures abound in admonitions, to make it our chief busi- 
ness to cultivate our hearts with all diligence, to examine 
into their state with impartiality, and watch over them with 
continual care. Indeed it is the heart which constitutes the 
man ; and external actions derive their whole character 
and meaning from the motives and dispositions of which 
they are the indications. Human judicatures, it is true, are 
chiefly conversant about the former, but this is only because 
to our limited perceptions the latter can seldom be any 
otherwise clearly ascertained. The real object of inquiry to 
human judicatures is the internal disposition ; it is to this 
that they adapt the nature, and proportion the degree, of 
their punishments. 

Yet though this be a truth so obvious, so established, 
that to have insisted on it may seem almost needless ; it is 
a truth of which we are apt to lose sight in the review of 
our religious character, and with which the habit of con- 
sidering religion as consisting rather in external actions, than 
internal principles, is at direct and open war. This mode of 
judging may well be termed habitual : for though by some 
persons it is advisedly adopted, and openly avowed, yet in 
many cases, for want of due watchfulness, it has stolen in- 
sensibly upon the mind ; it exists unsuspected, and is prac- 
tised, like other habits, without consciousness or observation. 

Evils resulting from the last mentioned Error — Christian 
dispositions not cultivated. — In what degree soever this perni- 
cious principle prevails, in the same degree is the mischief 
it produces. The vicious affections, like noxious weeds, sprout 
up and increase of themselves but too naturally ; while the 
graces of the Christian temper, (exotics in the soil of the hu- 
man heart,) like more tender productions of the vegetable 
world, require not only the light and breath of heaven to 
quicken them, but constant superintendance and assiduous 
care on our part also, in order to their being preserved in 
health and vigor. But so far from these graces being earnestly 
sought for, or watchfully reared, with unremitted prayers to 



OP tHRIsTUNif t'. Ifid 

God for his blessino;^ (without which all our labors must be in- 
effectual,) such is the result of the principle we are here con- 
demning, that no endeavors are used for their attainment, 
or they are suffered to droop and die almost without an ef- 
fort to preserve them. The culture of the mind is less and 
less attended to, and at length perhaps is almost wholly neg- 
lected. Thus way is made for the unobstructed growth of 
other dispositions, which naturally overspread and quietly 
possess the mind : nor is their contrariety to the Christian 
spirit discerned ; perhaps even their presence is scarcely ac- 
knowledged, except when their existence and their nature 
are manifested in the conduct, by marks too plain to be over- 
looked or mistaken. 

This is a point which we will now endeavor to ascertain 
by an induction of particular instances. 

J[Iost men forget that the Christianas life is a life of faith 
'-^and the true Christianas Character in this respect, — First 
then, it is the comprehensive compendium of the character 
of true Christians, that * they are walking by faith, and not by 
sight.' By this description is meant, not merely that they so 
firmly believe in the doctrine of future rewards and punish- 
ments, as to be influenced by that persuasion to adhere in the 
main to the path of duty, though tempted to forsake it by 
present interest, and present gratification ; but farther, that 
the great truths revealed in Scripture, concerning the unseen 
world, are the thoughts for the most part uppermost in their 
minds, and about which habitually their hearts are most in- 
terested. This state of mind contributes, if the expression 
may be allowed, to rectify the illusions of vision, to bring for- 
ward into nearer view those eternal things, which from their 
remoteness are apt to be either wholly overlooked, or to ap- 
pear but faintly in the utmost bounds of the horizon ; and to 
remove backward, and reduce to their true comparative di- 
mensions, the objects of the present life, which are apt to fill 
the huinan eye, assuming a false magnitude from their vicin- 
ity. The true Christian knows from experience, however, 
that the former are apt to fade from the sight, and the latter 
again to swell on it. He makes it therefore his continual care 
to preserve those just and enlightened views, which through 
divine mercy he has obtained. Not that he will retire from 
that station in the world which Providence seems to have ap- 
pointed him to fill : he will be active in the business of life, 
and enjoy its comforts with moderation and thankfulness ; 
but he will not be ' totus in illis,' he will not give up his whole 
15 



170 PRACTICAL VIEW 

soul to them, he will be habitually subordinate in his esti- 
mation to objects of more importance. This awful truth has 
sunk deep into his mind, that * the things which are seen 
are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eter- 
nal ;' and, in the tumult and bustle of life, he is sobered by 
the still small voice which whispers to him, that * the 
fashion of this world passes away.' This circumstance 
alone must, it is obvious, constitute a vast difference between 
the habitual temper of his mind, and that of the generality 
of nominal Christians, who are almost entirely taken up 
with the concerns of the present world. They know in- 
deed that they are mortal but they do not feel it. The truth 
rests in their understandings, and cannot gain admission in- 
to their hearts. This speculative persuasion is altogether 
different from that strong practical impression of the infinite 
importance of eternal things, which, attended with a propor- 
tionate sense of the shortness and uncertainty of all below, 
while it prompts to activity from a conviction that ' the 
night Cometh when no man can work,' produces a certain 
firmness of texture, which hardens us against the bufFeting's 
of fortune, and prevents our being very deeply penetrated 
by the cares and interests, the good or evil of this transitory 
state. Thus this just impression of the relative value of 
temporal and eternal things, maintains in the soul a dig- 
nified composure through all the vicissitudes of life. It 
quickens our diligence, yet moderates our ardor ; urges us 
to just pursuits, yet checks any undue solicitude about the 
success of them, and thereby enables us, in the language of 
Scripture, ' to use this world as not abusing it,' rendering 
us at once beneficial to others and comfortable to our- 
selves. 

But this is not all — besides the distinction between the 
nominal and the real Christian, which results from the im- 
pressions produced on them respectively by the eternal dura- 
Hon of heavenly things, there is another grounded on their 
nature^ no less marked, nor less important. They are sta- 
ted in Scripture, not only as entitling themselves to the no- 
tice of the true Christian from considerations of interest, but 
as approving themselves to his judgment from a conviction 
of their excellence, and yet farther, as recommending them- 
selves to his feelings by their being suited to the renew- 
ed dispositions of his heart. Indeed were ihe case other- 
wise, — did not their qualities correspond with his inclina- 
tions, however he might endure them on principles of duty, 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 171 

and be coldly conscious of their superior worth, — he could 
not lend himself to them with cordial complacency, much 
less look to them as the surest source of pleasure. But this 
is the light in which they are habitually regarded by the 
true Christian. He walks in the ways of religion, not 
by constraint, but willingly; they are to him not only 
safe, but comfortable ; ' ways of pleasantness as well as of 
peace.' Not but that here also he is from experience 
aware of the necessity of constant support and continual 
watchfulness. Without these, his old estimate of things is 
apt to return on him, and the former objects of his affections 
to resume their influence. With earnest prayers, therefore, 
for the divine help, with jealous circumspection, and resolute 
self-denial, he guards against whatever might be likely 
again to darken his enlightened judgment, or to vitiate his 
reformed taste ; thus making it his unwearied endeavor to 
grow in the knovvled2;e and love of heavenly things, and to 
obtain a warmer admiration, and a more cordial relish of 
their excellence. 

That this is a just representation of the habitual judgment, 
and of the leading disposition of true Christians, will be 
abundantly evident, if, endeavoring to form ourselves after 
our proper model, we consult the sacred Scriptures. But in 
vain are Christians there represented as having set their af- 
fections on things above, as cordially rejoicing in the ser- 
vice, and delighting in the worship of God. Pleasure and 
religion are contradictory terms with the bulk of nominal 
Christians. They may look back indeed on their religious 
offices with something of a secret satisfaction, and even feel 
it during the performance of them, from the idea of being 
engaged in the discharge of a duty ; but this is altogether dif- 
ferent from the pleasure which attends an employment in it- 
self acceptable and grateful to us. We are not condemning 
a deficiency merely in the warmth and vehemence of reli- 
gious affections : we are not asking whether the service and 
worship of God are delightful and pleasant to such persons ; 
but, do they diffuse over the soul any thing of that calm 
complacency, that mild and grateful composure, which be- 
speaks a mind in good humor with itself and all around it, 
and engaged in a service suited to its taste, and congenial 
with its feelings ] 

Sunday : and hints for its employment. — Let us appeal to 
that day which is especially devoted to the offices of religion : 
Do they joyfully avail themselves of this bl^ssied opportu- 



173 PRACTICAL VIEW 

nity of withdrawing from the business and cares of life ; 
when, without being disquieted by any doubt whether they 
are neglecting the duties of their proper callings, they may 
be allowed to detach their minds from earthly things, that by 
a fuller knowledge of heavenly objects, and a more habitual 
acquaintance with them, their hope may grow more * full of 
immortality V Is the day cheerfully devoted to those holy 
exercises for which it was appointed ? Do vhey indeed * come 
into the courts of God with gladness? And how are they 
employed when not engaged in the public services of the 
day? Are they busied in studying the word of God, in medi- 
tating on his perfections, in tracing his providential dispen- 
sations, in admiring his works, in revolving his mercies, 
(above all, the transcendant mercies of redeeming love,) 
in singing his praises, 'and speaking good of his name?' Do 
their secret retirements witness the earnestness of their 
prayers and the warmth of their thanksgivings, their diligence 
and impartiality in the necessary work of self-examination, 
their mindfulness of the benevolent duty of intercession? 
Is the kind purpose of the institution of a Sabbath answered 
by them, in its being made to their servants and dependants 
a season of rest and comfort? Does the instruction of their 
families, or of the more poor and ignorant of their neigh- 
bors, possess its due share of their time ? If blessed with 
talents or with ajffluence, are they sedulously employing a 
part of this interval of leisure in relieving the indigent, and 
visiting the sick, and comforting the sorrowful, in forming 
plans for the good of their fellow-creatures, in considering 
how they may promote both the temporal and spiritual bene- 
fit of their friends and acquaintance : or, if theirs be a larger 
sphere, in devising measures whereby, through the divine 
blessing, they may become the honored instruments of the 
more extended diffusion of religious truth ? In the hours of 
domestic or social intercourse, does their conversation mani- 
fest the subject of which their hearts are full ? Do their 
language and demeanor show them to be more than com- 
monly gentle, and kind, and friendly, free from rough and 
irritating passions ? 

Surely an entire day should not seem long amidst these 
various employments. It might well be deemed a privilege 
thus to spend it, in the more immediate presence of our 
heavenly Father, in the exercises of humble admiration and 
grateful homage ; of the benevolent, and domestic, and social 
feelings, and of all the best affections of our nature, prompted 



01? CHtHSTlANITT. 173 

by their true motives, conversant about their proper objects, 
and directed to their noblest end ; all sorrows mitigated, all 
cares suspended, all fears repressed, every angry emotion 
softened, every envious, or revengeful, or malignant passion 
expelled ; and the bosom thus quieted, purified, enlarged, 
ennobled, partaking almost of a measure of the heavenly 
happiness, and become for a while the seat of love, and joy, 
and confidence, and harmony. 

The nature, and uses, and proper employments of a Chris- 
tian Sabbath, have been pointed out more particularly, not 
only because the day will be found, when thus employed, 
eminently conducive, through the divine blessing, to the 
maintenance of the religious principle in activity and vigor ; 
but P.lso because we all must have had occasion often to re- 
mark, that many persons, of the graver and more decent sort, 
seem not seldom to be nearly destitute of religious resources. 
The Sunday is with them, to say the best of it, a heavy day ; 
and that larger part of it, which is not claimed by the public 
offices of the church, dully drawls on in comfortless vacuity, 
or without improvement is trifled away in vain and unprofita- 
ble discourse.- Not to speak of those who, by their more 
daring profanation of this sacred season, openly violate the 
laws, and insult the religion of their country, how little do 
many seem to enter into the spirit of the institution, who are 
not wholly inattentive to its exterior decorums ! How glad 
are they to qualify the rigor of their religious labors ! How 
hardly do they plead against being compelled to devote the 
whole of the day to religion, claiming to themselves no small 
merit for giving up to it a part, and purchasing therefore, as 
they hope, a right to spend the remainder more agreeably ! 
How dexterously do they avail themselves of any plausible 
plea for introducing some week-day employment into the 
Sunday, while they have not the same propensity to introduce 
any of the Sunday's peculiar employment into the rest of the 
week ! How often do they find excuses for taking journeys, 
writing letters, balancing accounts ; or, in short, doing some- 
thing, which, by a little management, might probably have 
been anticipated, or which, without any material inconven- 
ience, might be postponed! Even business itself is recrea- 
tion, compared with religion ; and from the drudgery of this 
day of sacred rest they fly for relief to their ordinary occupa* 
tions. 

Others, again, who would consider business as a profana- 
tion, and who still hold out against the encroachments of the 
15* 



174 PRACTICAL VIEW 

card-table, get over much of the day, and gladly seek for an 
innocent resource, in the social circle, or in family visits, 
where it is not even pretended that the conversation turns on 
such topics as might render it in any way conducive to reli- 
gious instruction or improvement. Their families mean- 
while are neglected, their servants robbed of Christian privi- 
leges, and their example quoted by others, who cannot see 
that they are themselves less religiously employed, while 
playing an innocent game at cards, or relaxing in the concert 
room. 

But all these several artifices, whatever they may be, to 
unhallow the Sunday and to change its character, (it might 
be almost said ' to mitigate its horrors,') prove but too plainly, 
that religion, however we may be glad to take refuge in it, 
when driven to it by the loss of every other comfort, and to 
retain as it were a reversionary interest in an asylum, which 
may receive us when we are forced from the transitory en- 
joyments of our present state, wears to us in itself a gloomy 
and forbidding aspect, and not a face of consolation and joy ; 
that the worship of God is with us a constrained and not a 
willing service, which we are glad therefore to abridge, though 
we dare not omit it. 

Some indeed there are, who, with concern and grief, will 
confess this to be their unconfortable and melancholy state ; 
who humbly pray, and diligently endeavor, for an imagination 
less distracted at devotional seasons, for a heart more capable 
of relishing the excellence of divine things ; and who care- 
fully guard against whatever has a tendency to chain down 
their affections to earthly enjoyments. Let not such be dis- 
couraged. It is not they whom we are condemning, but 
such as knowing and even acknowledging this to be their 
case, yet proceed in a way directly contrary : who, scarcely 
seeming to suspect that any thing is wrong with them, volun- 
tarily acquiesce in a state of mind which is directly contrary 
to the positive commands of God, which forms a perfect con- 
trast to the representations given us in Scripture of the 
Christian character, and accords but too faithfully in one lead- 
ing feature with the character of those who are stated to be 
the objects of divine displeasure in this life, and of divine 
punishment in the next. 

Other internal defects noticed, — It is not, however, only 
in these essential constituents of a devotional frame that 
the bulk of nominal Christians are defective. This they 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 176 

freely declare (secretly feeling, perhaps, some compla- 
cency from the frankness of the avowal) to be a higher 
strain of piety than that to which they aspire. Their 
forgetfulness also of some of the leading dispositions 
of Christianity, is undeniably apparent in their allowed 
want of the spirit of kindness, and meekness, and gen- 
tleness, and patience, and long-suffering; and, above 
all, of that which is the stock on which alone these dispo- 
sitions can grow and flourish, that humility and lowliness of 
mind, in which, perhaps, more than in any other quality, 
may be said to consist the true essence and vital principle 
of the Christian temper. These dispositions are not only 
neglected, but even disavowed and exploded, and their op- 
posites, if not rising to any great height, are acknowledged 
and applauded. Jl just pride, a proper and becoming pride, 
are terms which we daily hear from Christian lips. To 
possess a high spirit, to behave with a proper spirit when 
used ill, — by which is meant a quick feeling of injuries, 
and a promptness in resenting them, — entitles to commen- 
dation ; and a meek-spirited disposition, the highest Scripture 
eulogium, expresses ideas of disapprobation and contempt. 
Vanity and vain-glory are suffered without interruption to 
retain their natural possession of the heart. But here atopic 
opens upon us of such importance, and on which so many 
mistakes are to be found, both in the writings of respectable 
authors, and in the commonly prevailing opinions of the 
world, that it may be allowed us to discuss it more at large, 
and for this purpose to treat of it in a separate section. 



Sect. 111. 

On the Desire of human Estimation and Applause — The 
generally prevailing opinions contrasted ivitk those of the 
true Christian, 

Universality of the Passions. — The desire of human esti- 
mation, and distinction, and honor, of the admiration and ap- 
plause of our fellow-creatures, if we take it in its full com- 
prehension, and in all its various modifications, from the thirst 
of glory to the dread of shame, is the passion of which the 
empire is by far the most general, and perhaps the authority 
the most commanding. Though its power be most conspicu- 
ous and least controllable in the higher classes of society, it 
seems, like some resistless conqueror, to spare neither age, 



176 PRACTICAL VIEW 

sex, nor condition ; and taking ten thousand shapes, insinua- 
ting itself under the most specious pretexts, and sheltering 
itself, when necessary, under the most artful disguises, it 
winds its way in secret, when it dares not openly avow itself, 
and mixes in all we think, and speak, and do. It is in some 
instances the determined and declared pursuit, and confes- 
sedly the main practical principle ; but where this is not the 
case, it is not seldoni the grand spring of action, and in the 
Beauty and the Author, no less than in the Soldier, it is often 
the master-passion of the soul. 

The common notions asserted. — This is the principle which 
parents recognize with joy in their infant offspring, which is 
diligently instilled and nurtured in advancing years, which, 
under the names of honorable ambition and of laudable emu- 
lation, it is the professed aim of schools and colleges to ex- 
cite and cherish. The writer is well aware that it will be 
thought he is pushing his opinions much too far, when he 
ventures to assail this great principle of human action ; * a 
principle,' its advocates might perhaps exclaim, 'the extinc- 
tion of which, if you could succeed in your rash attempt, 
would be like the annihilation, in the material world, of the 
principle of motion ; without it, all were torpid, cold, and 
comfortless. We grant,' they might go on to observe, 
' that we never ought to deviate from the paths of duty in 
order to procure the applause or to avoid the reproaches 
of men, and we allow that this is a rule too little attended 
to in practice. We grant that the love of praise is in some 
instances a ridiculous, and in others a mischievous pas- 
sion ; that to it we owe the breed of coquettes and cox- 
combs, and, a more serious evil, the noxious race of heroes 
and conquerors. We too are ready, when it appears in the 
shape of vanity, to smile at it as a foible, or, in that of false 
glory, (o condemn it as a crime. But all these are only its 
perversions ; and on account of them to contend against 
its true forms, and its legitimate exercise, were to give in to 
the very error which you formerly yourself condemned, of 
arguing against the use of a salutary principle altogether, 
on account of its being liable to occasional abuse. When 
turned into the right direction, and applied to its true pur- 
poses, it prompts to every dignified and generous enter- 
prise. It is erudition in the portico, skill in the lyceum, 
eloquence in the senate, victory in the field. It forces in- 
dolence into activity, and extorts from vice itself the deeds 
of generosity and virtue. When once the soul is warmed 
by its generous ardor, no difficulties deter, no dangers ter- 



or CHRlStlANITf*. 177 

rify, no labors tire. It is this which, giving by its stamp to 
what is virtuous and honoiable its just superiority over the 
gifts of birth and fortune, rescues the rich from a base subjec- 
tion to the pleasures of sense, and makes them prefer a course 
of toil and hardship to a life of indulgence and ease. It pre- 
vents the man of rank from acquiescing in his hereditary 
greatness, and spurs him forward in pursuit of personcd dis- 
tinction, and of a nobility which he may justly term his own. 
It moderates and qualifies the over-great inequalities of hu- 
man conditions ; and reaching to those who are above the 
sphere of laws, and extending to cases which fall not within 
their province, it limits and circumscribes the power of the 
tyrant on his throne, and gives gentleness to war, and to pride, 
humility. 

' Nor is its influence confined to public life, nor is it known 
only in the great and the splendid. To it is to be ascribed 
a large portion of that courtesy and disposition to please, 
which, naturally producing a mutual appearance of good- will 
and a reciprocation of good offices, constitute much of the 
comfort of private life, and give their choicest sweets to so- 
cial and domestic intercourse. Nay, from the force of habit, 
it follows us even into solitude, and in our most secret retire- 
ments we often act as if our conduct were subject to human 
observation, and we derive no small complacency from the 
imaginary applauses of an ideal spectator.' 

So far of the effects of the love of praise and distinction ; 
and if, after enumerating some of these, you should proceed 
to investigate its nature, ' We admit,' it might be added, ' that 
a hasty and mis-judging world often misapplies commenda- 
tions and censures : and whilst we therefore confess, that 
the praises of the discerning few are alone truly valuable, 
we acknowledge that it were better if mankind were always 
to*act from the sense of right and the love of virtue, without 
reference to the opinions of their fellow-creatures. We even 
allow, that, independently of consequences, this w'ere perhaps 
in itself a higher strain of virtue ; but it is a degree of purity 
which it would be vain to expect from the bulk of mankind. 
When the intrinsic excellence of this principle, however, is 
called in question, let it be remembered, that in its higher 
degrees it was styled, by one who meant rather to detract 
from its merits than to aggravate them, Mhe infirmity of noble 
minds ;' and surely, that in such a soil it most naturally 
springs up and flourishes, is no small proof of its exalted 
origin and generous nature. 



178 PRACTICAL VIEW 

• But were these more dubious, and were it no more 
than a splendid error, yet considering that it works so often 
in the right direction, it were enough to urge in ils behalf, 
that it is a principle of real action, and approved energy. 
That, as much as practice is better than theory, and solid 
realities than empty speculation, so much is it to be preferred 
for general use before those higher principles of morals, 
which, however just and excellent in themselves, you would 
in vain attempt to bring home to the " business and bosoms 
of mankind" at large. Reject not, then, a principle thus 
universal in its influence, thus valuable in its effects ; a prin- 
ciple, which, by whatever name you may please to call it, 
acts by motives and considerations suited to our condition ; 
and which, putting it at the very lowest, must be confessed, 
in our present infirm state, to be an habitual aid and an ever- 
present support to the feebleness of virtue ! In a selfish 
world it produces the effects of disinterestedness, and, when 
public spirit is extinct, it supplies the want of patriotism. Let 
us therefore with gratitude avail ourselves of its help, and not 
relinquish the good which it freely offers, from we know not 
what vain dreams of impracticable purity and unattainable 
perfection.' 

The above Vindication questioned — Opinions of Pagan 
Moralists on this head. — All this and much more might be 
urged by the advocates of this favorite principle. It would 
be, however, no difficult task to show that it by no means 
merits this high eulogium. To say nothing of that larger part 
of the argument of our opponents, which betrays, and even 
proceeds upon, that mischievous notion of the innocence of 
error, against which we have already entered our formal pro- 
test,the principle in question is manifestly of a most inconstant 
and variable nature ; as inconstant and variable as the inftu- 
merably diversified modes of fashions, habits, and opinions, 
in different periods and societies. What it tolerates in one 
age, it forbids in another ; what in one country it prescribes 
and applauds, in another it condemns and stigmatizes ! Obvi- 
ously and openly, it often takes vice into its patronage, and 
sets itself in direct opposition to virtue. It is calculated to 
produce rather the appearance than the reality of excellence ; 
and at best not to check the love but only the commission of 
vice. Much of this indeed was seen and acknowledged by 
the philosophers, and even by the poets, of the pagan world. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 179 

They declaimed against it as a mutable and inconsistent 
principle ; they lamented the fatal effects which, under the 
name of false glory, it had produced on the peace and happi- 
ness of mankind. They condemned the pursuit of it when it 
led its followers out of the path of virtue, and taught that the 
praise of the wise and of the good only was to be desired. 

And Scripture lessons slated and illustrated, — But it was 
reserved for the page of Scripture to point out to us distinctly 
wherein it is apt to be essentially defective and vicious, and 
to discover to us more fully its encroaching nature and dan- 
gerous tendencies ; teaching us, at the same time, how, being 
purified from its corrupt qualities, and reduced under just 
subordination, it may be brought into legitimate exercise, 
and be directed to its true end. 

In the sacred volume we are throughout reminded, that 
we are originally the creatures of God's formation, and con- 
tinual dependants on his bounty. There too we learn the 
painful lesson of man's degradation and unworthiness. We 
learn that humiliation and contrition are the dispositions of 
mind best suited to our fallen condition, and most acceptable 
in the sight of our Creator. We learn that, to the repression 
and extinction of that spirit of arrogance and self-importance 
which are so natural to the heart of man, it should be our 
habitual care to cherish and cultivate these lowly tempers ; 
studiously maintaining a continual sense, that, not only for all 
the natural advantages over others which we may possess, 
but for all our moral superiority also, we are altogether in- 
debted to the unmerited goodness of God. It might perhaps 
be said to be the great end and purpose of all revelation, and 
especially to be the design of the Gospel, to reclaim us from 
our natural pride and selfishness, and their fatal consequences ; 
to bring us to a just sense of our weakness and depravity ; 
and to dispose us, with unfeigned humiliation, to abase our- 
selves, and give glory to God. * No flesh may glory in his 
presence ; he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.' — * The 
lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtines of 
men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be ex- 
alted.' 

These solemn admonhions are too generally disregarded, 
and their intimate connection with the subject we are now 
considering, appears to have been often entirely overlooked 
even by Christian moralists. These authors, without refer- 
ence to the main spring, and internal principle of conduct, 



180 I»RACTICAL VIEW 

are apt to speak of the love ofhuman applause, as being meri- 
torious or culpable, as being the desire of true or of false glory, 
accordingly as the external actions it produces, and the pur- 
suits to which it pronnpts, are beneficial or mischievous to 
mankind. But it is undeniably manifest, that, in the judg- 
ment of the word of God, the love of worldly admiration and 
applause is in its nature essentially and radically corrupt ; 
so far as it partakes of a disposition to exalt and aggrandize 
ou selves, to pride ourselves on our natural or acquired en- 
dowments, or to assume to ourselves the merit and credit of 
our good qualities, instead of ascribing all the honor and 
glory where only they are due. Its guilt therefore in these 
cases, is not to be measured by its effects on the happiness of 
mankind ; nor is it to be denominated hnie or false glory 
accordingly as the ends to which it is directed are just or un- 
just, beneficial or mischievous, objects of pursuit ; but it is 
false, because it exalts that which ought to be abased, and 
criminal, because it encroaches on the prerogative of God. 

The Scriptures further instruct us, not merely that mankind 
are liable to error, and therefore that the world's commenda- 
tions matj be sometimes mistaken ; but that their judgment 
being darkened, and their hearts depraved, its applauses and 
contempt will for the most part be systematically misplaced ; 
that though the beneficent and disinterested spirit of Chris- 
tianity, and her obvious tendency to promote domestic com- 
fort and general happiness, cannot but extort applause ; yet 
that her aspiring after more than ordinary excellence, by ex- 
citing secret misgivings in others, or a painful sense of in- 
feriority, not unmixed with envy, cannot fail often to disgust 
and offend. The word of God teaches us, that though such 
of the doctrines and precepts of Christianity, as are coinci- 
dent with worldly interests and pursuits and with worldly 
principles and systems, may be professed without ofl:ence ; 
yet that what is opposite to these, or even different from 
them, will be deemed needlessly precise and strict, the indul- 
gence of a morose and gloomy humor, the symptoms of a 
contracted and superstitious spirit, the marks of a mean, en- 
slaved, or distorted understanding. That for these and other 
reasons, the follower of Christ must not only make up his 
mind to the occasional relinquishment of worldly favor, but 
that it should even afford him matter of holy jealousy and 
suspicion of himself when it is very lavishly and very gen- 
erally bestowed. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 181 

But though the standard of worldly estimation differed 
less from that of the Gospel, yet, since our affections ought 
to be set on heavenly things, and conversant about heaven- 
ly objects, and since in particular the love and favor of 
God ought to be the matter of our supreme and habitual 
desire, to which every other should be rendered subordinate ; 
it follows, that the love of human applause must be mani- 
festly injurious, so far as it tends to draw down our re- 
gards to earthly concerns, and to circumscribe our desires 
within the narrow limits of this world ; and, that it is impure, 
so far as it is tinctured with a disposition to estimate too 
highly, and love too well, the good opinion and commenda- 
tions of man. 

But though, by these and other instructions and considera- 
tions, the Holy Scripture warns us against the inordinate 
desire or earnest pursuit of worldly estimation and honor ; 
though it so greatly reduces their value, and prepares us for 
losing them without surprise, and for relinquishing them 
with little reluctance ; yet it teaches us that Christians 
are not only not called upon absolutely and voluntarily to re- 
nounce or forego them, but that, when without our having 
solicitously sought them they are bestowed on us for actions 
intrinsically good, we are to accept them as being intended 
by Providence to be sometimes, even in this disorderly state 
of things, a present solace, and a reward to virtue. Nay 
more, we are instructed, that in our general deportment, that 
in little particulars of conduct otherwise indifferent, that in the 
circumstances and manner of performing actions in them- 
selves of a determined character and indispensable obliga- 
tion, (guarding however against the smallest degree of arti- 
fice or deceit,) that by watching for opportunities of doing 
little kindnesses, that by avoiding singularities, and even 
humoring prejudices, where it may be done without the 
slightest infringement of truth or duty, we ought to have a 
due respect and regard to the approbation and favor of men. 
These, however, we should not value chiefly as they may 
administer to our own gratification, but rather as furnishing 
means and instruments of influence, which we may turn to 
good account, by making them subservient to the improvement 
and happiness of our fellow-creatures, and thus conducive 
to the glory of God. The remark is almost superfluous, 
that, on occasions like these, we must even watch our hearts 
with the most jealous care, lest pride and self-love insensi- 
16 



182 PRACTICAL VIEW 

bly infuse themselves, and corrupt the purity of principles so 
liable to contract a taint. 

Credit and reputation, in the judgment of the true 
Christian, stand on ground not very different from riches ; 
which he is not to prize highly or to desire and pursue with 
solicitude ; but which, when they are allotted to him by 
the hand of Providence, he is to accept with thankfulness 
and use with moderation ; relinquishing them, when it 
becomes necessary, without a murmur ; guarding most cir- 
cumspectly, so long as they remain with him, against that 
sensual and selfish temper, and no less against that pride and 
wantonness of heart, which they are too apt to produce and 
cherish ; thus considering them as in themselves acceptable, 
but, from the infirmity of his nature, highly dangerous pos- 
sessions ; and valuing them chiefly, not as instruments of 
luxury or splendor, but as affording the means of honoring 
his heavenly Benefactor, and lessening the miseries of man- 
kind. 

Christianity, be it remembered, proposes not to extinguish 
our natural desires, but to bring them under just control, and 
direct them to their true objects. In the case both of riches 
and of honor, she maintains the consistency of her character. 
While she commands us not to set our hearts on earthly 
treasures, she reminds us that ' we have in heaven a better 
and more enduring substance' than this world can bestow ; 
and while she represses our solicitude respecting earthly cre- 
dit, and moderates our attachment to it, she holds forth to us, 
and bids us habitually to aspire after, the splendors of that 
better state, where is true glory, and honor, and immortality ; 
thus exciting in us a just ambition, suited to our high origin, 
and worthy of our large capacities, which the little, mis- 
placed, and perishable distinctions of this life would in vain 
attempt to satisfy. 

General prevailing JVoiions opposed lo those of Scripture, 
— It would be mere waste of time to enter into any labored 
argument to prove at large, that the light in which worldly 
credit and estimation are regarded by the bulk of professed 
'Christians, is extremely different from that in which they 
are placed by the page of Scripture. The inordinate love of 
worldly glory^ indeed, implies a passion, which, from the na- 
ture of things, cannot be called into exercise in the gen- 
erality of mankind ; because, being conversant about great 
objects, it can but rarely find that field which is requisite for 
its exertions. But we every where discover the same prin- 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 183 

ciple reduced to the dimensions of common life, and modified 
and directed according to every one's sphere of action. We 
may discover it in a supreme love of distinction, and admira- 
tion, and praise ; in the universal acceptableness of flattery ; 
and, above all, in the excessive valuation of our v^orldly 
character, in that watchfulness with which it is guarded, in 
that jealousy when it is questioned, in that solicitude when 
it is in danger, in that hot resentment when it is attacked, in 
that bitterness of suffering when it is impaired or lost. All 
these emotions, as they are too manifest to be disputed, so 
they are too reputable to be denied. Dishonor, disgrace, 
and shame, present images of horror too dreadful to be 
faced ; they are evils, which it is thought the mark of a gener- 
ous spirit to consider as excluding every idea of comfort and 
enjoyment, and to feel as too heavy to be borne. 

The consequences of all this are natural and obvious. 
Though it be not openly avowed that we are to follow afler 
worldly estimation, or to escape from worldly disrepute, 
when they can only be pursued or avoided by declining from 
the path of duty ; nay, though the contrary be recognized 
as being the just opinion ; yet all the effect of this specu- 
lative concession is soon done away in fact. Estimating 
worldly credit as of the highest intrinsic excellence, and 
worldly shame as the greatest of all possible evils, we some- 
times shape and turn the path of duty itself from its true 
direction, so as it may favor our acquisition of the one, 
and avoidance of the other ; or, when this cannot be done, 
we boMly and openly turn aside from it, declaring the temp- 
tation is too strong to be resisted. 

Various proofs of the truth of our representations of the 
opinions on this point of the bulk of nominal Christians. — 
Proof from the House oj Commons, — It were easy to adduce 
numerous proofs of the truth of these assertions. It is 
proved, indeed, by that general tendency in religion to con- 
ceal herself from the view, (for we might hope that in these 
cases she often is by no means altogether extinct,) by her 
being apt to vanish from our conversations, and even to give 
place to a pretended licentiousness of sentiments and con- 
duct, and a false show of infidelity. It is proved by that 
complying acquiescence and participation in the habits and 
manners of this dissipated age, which has almost confounded 
every external distinction between the Christian and the Infi- 
del, and has made it so rare to find any one who dares incur the 
charge of Christian singularity, or who can say with the apostle, 



184 PRACTICAL VIEW 

that ' he is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.' It is proved 
(how can this proof be omitted by one to whose lot it has so 
often fallen to witness and lament, sometimes he fears to af- 
ford an instance of it ?) by that quick resentment, those bitter 
contentions, those angry retorts, those malicious triumphs, 
that impatience of inferiority, that wakeful sense of past de- 
feats, and promptness to revenge them, which too often 
change the character of a Christian deliberative assembly, 
into that of a stage for prize-fighters ; violating at once the 
proprieties of public conduct, and the rules of sociable deco- 
rum, and renouncing and chasing away all the charities of 
the religion of Jesus ! 

From Duelling. — But from all lesser proofs, our attention 
is drawn to one of a still larger size, and more determined 
character. Surely the reader will here anticipate our men- 
tion of the practice of duelling ; a practice which to the dis- 
grace of a Christian society, has long been suffered to exist 
with little restraint or opposition. 

Duellings — wherein its Guilt chiefly consists, — This prac- 
tice, whilst it powerfully supports, chiefly rests on, that ex- 
cessive over-valuation of character, which teaches, that 
worldly credit is to be preserved at any rate, and disgrace 
at any rate to be avoided. The unreasonableness of duel- 
ling has been often proved, and. it has often been shown to 
be criminal on various principles : sometimes it has been 
opposed on grounds hardly tenable ; particularly when it 
has been considered as an indication of malice and re- 
venge.* But it seems hardly to have been enough notic- 
ed in what chiefly consists its essential guilt ; that is, a 
deliberate preference of the favor of man, before the favor 
and approbation of God, in articulo mortis^ in an instance, 
wherein our own life and that of a fellow-creature are at 
stake, and wherein we run the risk of rushing into the 
presence of our Maker in the very act of offending him. It 
would detain us too long, and it were somewhat beside our 
present purpose, to enumerate the mischievous consequen- 
ces which result from this practice. They are many and 
great ; and if regard be had merely to the temporal interests 
of men, and to the well-being of society, they are but poorly 
counterbalanced by the plea, which must be admitted in its 
behalf by a candid observer of human nature, of a courtesy 

♦Vide Hey's Tracts, Rousseau's Eioisa, and many periodical 
Essays and »Sermons. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 185 

and refinement in our modern manners unknown to ancient 
times. 

But there is one observation which must not be omitted, 
and which seems to have been too much overlooked. In the 
judgment of that religion which requires purity of heart, and 
of that Being to whom, as was before remarked, ' thought is 
action,' he cannot be esteemed innocent of this crime, who 
lives in a settled habitual determination to commit it when cir- 
cumstances shall call upon him so to do.* This is a consid- 
eration which places the crime of duelling on a different footing 
from almost any other ; indeed there is perhaps no other, 
which mankind habitually and deliberately resolve to practise 
whenever the temptation shall occur. It shows also that the 
crime of duelling is far more general in the higher classes 
than is commonly supposed, and that the whole sum of the 
guilt which the practice produces is great, beyond what has 
perhaps been ever conceived ! It will be the writer's com- 
fort to have solemnly suggested this consideration to the con- 
sciences of those by whom this impious practice might be 
suppressed. If such there be, which he is strongly inclined 
to believe, theirs is the crime, and theirs the responsibility, of 
suffering it to continue. f 

Real nature of inordinate love of human estimation, — 
In the foregoing observations, it has not been the writer's 
intention to discuss completely that copious subject, the love 
of worldly estimation. It would be to exceed the limits of 
a work like this, fully to investigate so large, and at the 
same time so important, a topic. Enough, however, may 
have perhaps been said, to make it evident that this princi- 
ple is of a character highly questionable ; that it should be 
brought ^under absolute subjection, and watched with the 

* Vide * Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath 
com-nitted adultery with her,'' &c. Matt. v. 28. 

t The writer cannot omit this opportunity of declaring, that he 
should long ago have brought this subject before the notice of Parlia- 
ment, but for a perfect conviction that he should probably thereby 
only give encouragement to a system he wishes to see at an end. The 
practice has been at different periods nearly stopped by positive 
laws, in various nations on the continent ; and there can be little 
doubt of the efficacy of what has been more than once suggested — a 
Court of Honor, to take cognizance of such offences as would 
naturally fall within its province. The effects of this establishment 
would doubtless require to be enforced by legislative provisions, 
directly punishing the practice; and by discouraging at court, and 
in the military and naval situations, all who should directly or indi- 
rectly be guilty of it. 

16* 



186 PRACtiCAL VIEW 

most jealous care. That> notwithstanding its lofty pretett* 
sions, it often can by no means justly boast that high origin 
and exalted nature which its superficial admirers are disposed 
to concede to it. What real intrinsic essential value, it might 
be asked, does there appear to be in a virtue, which had 
wholly changed its nature and character, if public opinion had 
been different? But it is in truth of base extraction, and un- 
generous qualities ; it springs from selfishness, and vanity, 
and low ambition ; by these it subsists, and thrives, and acts ; 
and envy, and jealousy^ and detraction, and hatred, and vari- 
ance, are its too faithful and natural associates. 1 1 is, to say the 
best of it, a root which bears fruits of a poisonous as well as 
of a beneficial quality. If it sometimes stimulates to great 
and generous enterprises, if it urges to industry, and some- 
times to excellence, if in the more contracted sphere, it pro- 
duces courtesy and kindness ; yet to its account we must 
place the ambition which desolates nations, and many of the 
competitions and resentments which interrupt the harmony 
of social life, ^he former indeed has been often laid to its 
charge, but the latter have not been sufficiently attended to ; 
and still less has its noxious influence on the vital principle, 
and distinguishing graces, of the Christian character, been 
duly pointed out and enforced. 

To read indeed the writings of certain Christian moralists,* 
and to observe how little they seem disposed to call it in 
question, except where it raves in the conqueror ; one should 
be almost tempted to suspect, that, considering it as a princi- 
ple of such potency and prevalence, as that they must despair 
of bringing it into jusl subjection, they were intent only on 
Complimenting it into good humor, (like those barbarous na- 
tions that worship the evil spirit through fear ;) or rather, that 
they were making a sort of composition with an enemy they 
could not master ; and were willing, on condition of its giv- 
ing up the trade of war, to suffer it to rule undisturbed, and 
range at pleasure. 

But the truth is, that the reasonings of Christian moralists 
too often exhibit but few traces of the genius of Chris- 
tian morality. Of this position, the case before us is an in- 
stance. This principle of the desire of worldly distinction 
and applause, is often allowed, and even commended, with 

* Vide, in particular, a paper in the Guardian, by Addison, on 
Honor, Vol II. 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 187 

too few qualifications, and too little reserve. To covet 
wealth is base and sordid ; but to covet honor is treated as 
the mark of a generous and exalted nature. These writers 
scarcely seem to bear in mind, that, though the principle in 
question tends to prevent the commission of those grosser 
acts of vice which would injure us in the general estimation ; 
yet that it not only stops not there, but that it there begins 
to exert almost an equal force in the opposite direction. 
They do not consider how apt this principle is even in the 
case of those who move in a contracted sphere, to fill us with 
vain coiiceits, and vicious passions; and, above all, how it 
tends to fix the affections on earthly things, and to steal 
away the heart from God. They acknowledge it to be 
criminal when it produces mischievous effects ; but forget 
how apt it is, by the substitution of a false and corrupt mo- 
tive, to vitiate the purity of our good actions, depriving them 
of every thing which rendered them truly and essentially 
valuable. They do not consider, that, whilst they too hastily 
applaud it as taking the side of virtue, it often works her ruin 
while it asserts her cause ; and, like some vile seducer, 
pretends affection only the more surely to betray. 

The true Christianas conduct in relation to this principle. 
— It is the distinguishing glory of Christianity not to rest 
satisfied with superficial appearances, but to rectify the 
motives^ and purify the heart. The true Christian, in obedi- 
ence to the lessons of Scripture, no where keeps over him- 
self a more resolute and jealous guard, than where the desire 
of human estimation and distinction is in question. No 
where does he more deeply feel the insufl[iciency of his un- 
assisted strength, or more diligently and earnestly pray for 
divine assistance. He may well indeed watch and pray 
against the encroachments of a passion, which, when suffered 
to transgress its just limits, discovers a peculiar hostility to 
the distinguishing graces of the Christian temper ; a passion 
which must insensibly acquire force, because it is in contin- 
ual exercise ; a passion to which almost every thing without 
administers nutriment, and the growth of which within is fa- 
vored and cherished by such powerful auxiliaries as pride 
and selfishness, the natural and perhaps inexterminable in- 
habitants of the human heart. 

Strongly impressed, therefore, with a sense of the indispen- 
sable necessity of guarding against the progress of this en- 
croaching principle, in humble reliance of superior aid, the 
true Christian thankfully uses the means, and habitually ex- 



188 PRACTICAL VIEW 

ercises himself in the considerations and motives, suggested 
to him for that purpose by the word of God. He is much 
occupied in searching out, and contemplating his own infir- 
mities. He endeavors to acquire and maintain a just con- 
viction of his great unworthiness ; and to keep in continual 
remembrance, that whatever distinguishes himself from oth- 
ers is not properly his own, but that he is altogether indebted 
for it to the undeserved bounty of heaven. He diligently 
endeavors also, habitually to preserve a just sense of the 
real worth of human distinction and applause, knowing that 
he shall covet them less when he has learned not to over-rate 
their value. He labors to bear in mind, how undeservedly 
they are often bestowed, how precariously they are always 
possessed. The censures of good men justly render him 
suspicious of himself, and prompt him carefully and impar- 
tially to examine into those parts of his character, or those 
particulars of his conduct, which have drawn on him their 
animadversions. The favorable opinion and the praises of 
good men are justly acceptable to him, where they accord 
with the testimony of his own heart; that testimony being 
thereby confirmed and warranted. Those praises favor also 
and strengthen the growth of mutual confidence and aflfection, 
where it is his delight to form friendships, rich not less in use 
than comfort, and to establish connexions which may last 
for ever. But even in the case of the commendations of 
good men, he suffers not himself to be beguiled into an over- 
valuation of them, lest he should be led to substitute them in 
the place of conscience. He guards against this by reflect- 
ing how indistinctly we can discern each other's motives, 
how little enter into each other's circumstances, how mis- 
taken therefore may be the judgments formed of us, or of 
our actions, even by good men ; and that it is far from im- 
probable, that a time may come, in which we may be com- 
pelled to forfeit their esteem by adhering to the dictates of 
our own consciences. 

But if he endeavors thus to sit loose to the favor and ap- 
plause even of good men, much more to those of the world 
at large ; not but that he is sensible of ftheir worth as means 
and instruments of usefulness and influence ; and, under the 
limitations and for the ends allowed in Scripture, he is glad 
to possess, observant to acquire, and careful to retain them. 
He considers them, however, if we may again introduce 
the metaphor, like the precious metals, as having rather 
an exchangeable than an intrinsic value ; as desirable, 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 189 

not simply in their possession, but in their use. In this view, 
he holds himself to be responsible for that share of ihem 
which he enjoys, and (to continue the figure) as bound not 
to let them lie by him unemployed, this were hoarding ; not 
to lavish them prodigally, this would be waste; not impru- 
dently to misapply them, this were folly and caprice ; but as 
under an obligation to regard them as conferred on him, that 
they might be brought into action : which therefore he feels 
not himself at liberty to throw away, though he is ready, if 
it be required, to relinquish them with cheerfulness ; nor, on 
the other hand, dares he acquire or retain them unlawfully, 
in consideration of the use he intends to make of them. He 
holds it to be his bounden duty to seek diligently for occa- 
sions of rendering them subservient to their true purposes ; 
and when any such occasion is found, to expend them cheer- 
fully and liberally, but with discretion and frugality ; being no 
less prudent in determining the measure, than in selecting 
the objects, of their application, that they may go the farther 
by being thus managed with economy. 

Acting, therefore, on these principles, he will studiously 
and diligently use any degree of worldly credit he may enjoy 
in removing or lessening prejudices; in conciliating good- 
will, and thereby making way for the less obstructed pro- 
gress of truth ; and in providing for its being entertained 
with candor, or even with favor, by those who would bar 
all access against it in any rougher or more homely form. 
He will make it his business to set on foot and forward be- 
nevolent and useful schemes ; and, where they require united 
efforts, to obtain and preserve for them this co-operation. 
He will endeavor to discountenance vice, to bring modest 
merit into notice ; to lend as it were his light to men of real 
worth, but of less creditable name, and perhaps of less con- 
ciliating qualities and manners, that they may thus shine with 
a reflected lustre, and be useful in their turn, when invested 
with their just estimation. But while by these and various 
other means he strives to render his reputation, so long as 
he possesses it, subservient to the great ends of advancing 
the cause of religion and virtue, and of promoting the 
happiness and comfort of mankind, he will not transgress 
the rule of the Scripture precepts, in order to obtain, to 
cultivate, or to preserve it ; resolutely disclaiming that dan- 
gerous sophistry of ' doing evil that good may come.' 
Ready, however, to relinquish his reputation when required 
so to do, he will not throw it away ; and so far as he al- 



190 pRActicAL View 

lowably may, he will cautiously avoid occasions of diminish- 
ing it, instead of studiously seeking, or needlessly multiply- 
ing them, as seems sometimes to have been the practice of 
worthy but imprudent men. There will be no capricious 
humors, no selfish tempers, no moroseness, no discourtesy, 
no affected severity of deportment, no peculiarity of lan- 
guage, no indolent neglect, no wanton breach, of the ordinary 
forms or fashions of society. His reputation is a possession 
capable of uses too important to be thus sported away ; 
if sacrificed at all, it shall be sacrificed at the call of duty. 
The world shall be constrained to allow him to be amia- 
ble, as well as respectable in other parts of his character ; 
though, in what regards religion, they may account him 
unreasonably precise and strict. In this, no less than in 
other particulars, he will endeavor to reduce the enemies 
of religion to adopt the confession of the accuser of the 
Jewish ruler, ' We shall not find any fault or occasion 
against his Daniel — except concerning the law of his God ;' 
and even there, if he give offence, it will only be where 
he dares not do otherwise ; and if he fall into disesteem or 
disgrace, it shall not be chargeable to any conduct which is 
justly dishonorable, or even to any unnecessary singulari- 
ties on his part, but to the false standard of estimation of 
a misjudging world. When his character is thus mista- 
ken, or his conduct thus misconstrued, he will not wrap 
himself up in a mysterious sullenness ; but will be ready, 
where he thinks any one will listen to him with patience 
and candor, to clear up what has been dubious, to explain 
what has been imperfectly known, and, ' speaking the truth 
in love,' to correct, if it may be, the erroneous impressions 
which have been conceived of him. He may sometimes 
feel it his duty publicly to vindicate his character from un- 
just reproach^ and to repel the false charges of his enemies ; 
but he will carefully, however, watch against being led 
away by pride, or being betrayed into some breach of truth, 
or of Christian charity, when he is treading in a path so 
dangerous. At such a time he will also guard, with more 
than ordinary circumspection, against any undue solicitude 
about his worldly reputation, for its own sake ; and when 
he has done what duty requires for its vindication, he will 
sit down with a peaceable and quiet mind, and it will be 
matter of no very deep concern to him if his endeavors 
should have been ineffectual. If good men in every age 
and nation have been often unjustly calumniated and dis- 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 191 

graced, and if, in such circumstances, even the darkness of 
paganism has been able contentedly to repose itself on the 
consciousness of innocence, shall one who is cheered by the 
Christian's hope, who is assured also, that a day will shortly 
come in which whatever is secret shall be made manifest, 
and the mistaken judgments of men, perhaps even of good 
men, being corrected, that ' he shall then have praise of 
God ;' shall such an one, I say, sink ? — shall he even bend or 
droop under such a trial] They might be more excusable 
in over-valuing human reputation, to whom all beyond the 
grave was dark and cheerless. They also might be more 
easily pardoned for pursuing, with some degree of eagerness 
and solicitude, that glory which might survive them ; thus 
seeking as it were to extend the narrow span of their earthly 
existence : but far different is our case, to whom these 
clouds are rolled away, and ' life and immortality are brought 
to light by the Gospel.' Not but that worldly favor and dis- 
tinction are amongst the best things this world has to offer, 
but the Christian knows it is the very condition of his 
calling not to have his portion here ; and as in the case 
of any other earthly enjoyments, so in that also of worldly 
honor, he dreads, lest his supreme affections being thereby 
gratified, it should be hereafter said to him, ' Remember 
that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things.' 

He is enjoined by his holy calling to be victorious over 
the world ; and to this victory, an indifference to dises- 
teem and dishonor is essentially and indispensably required. 
He reflects on those holy men who ' had trial of cruel 
mockings ;' he remembers that our blessed Saviour himself 
' was despised and rejected of men ;' and what is he, that 
he should be exempted from the common lot, or think it 
much to bear the scandal of his profession ? If therefore he 
is creditable and popular,* he considers this, if the phrase 
may be pardoned, as something beyond his bargain ; and 
he watches himself with double care, lest he should grow 
over-fond of what he may be shortly called upon to relin- 
quish. He meditates often on the probability of his being 
inv olved in such circumstances, as may render it necessary 
for him to subject himself to disgrace and obloquy ; thus fa- 
miliarizing himself with them betimes, and preparing himself, 
that, when the trying hour arrives, they may not take him 
unawares. 

But the cultivation of the desire of ' that honor which 



192 PRACTICAL VIEW 

cometh from God,' he finds the most effectual means of 
bringing his mind into a proper temper, in what regards the 
love of human approbation. Christian! wouldst thou indeed 
reduce this affection under just control ? — sursum corda ! 
Rise on the wings of contemplation, until the praises and 
the censures of men die away upon the ear, and the still 
small voice of conscience is no longer drowned by the din 
of this nether world. Here the sight is apt to be occupied 
with earthly objects, and the hearing to be engrossed with 
earthly sounds ; but there thou shall come within the view of 
that resplendent and incorruptible crown, which is held 
forth to thine acceptance in the realms of light, and thine 
ear shall be regaled with heavenly melody ! Here we dwell 
in a variable atmosphere — the prospect is at one time dark- 
ened by the gloom of disgrace, and at another the eye is 
dazzled by the gleamings of glory : but thou hast now as- 
cended above this inconstant region ; no storms agitate, no 
clouds obscure, the air; the lightnings play and the thunders 
roll beneath thee. 

Thus, at chosen seasons, the Christian exercises himself; 
and when, from this elevated region, he descends into the 
plain below, and mixes in the bustle of life, he still retains 
the impressions of his more retired hours. By these he rea- 
lizes to himself the unseen world; he accustoms himself to 
speak and act as in the presence of' an innumerable company 
of angels, and of the spirits of just men made perfect, and of 
God the Judge of alL' The consciousness of their approba- 
tion cheers and gladdens his soul, under the scoffs and re- 
proaches of an undiscerning world ; and to his delighted ear, 
their united praises form a harmony, which a few discordant 
earthly voices cannot interrupt. 

But though the Christian be sometimes enabled thus to 
triumph over the inordinate love of human applause, he does 
not therefore deem himself secure from its encroachments. 
On the contrary, he is aware, so strong and active is its prin- 
ciple of vitality, that even where it seems extinct, let but 
circumstances favor its revival, and it will spring forth 
again in renewed vigor. And as his watchfulness must 
thus during life know no termination, because the enemy 
will ever be at hand ; so it must be the more close and vigi- 
lant, because he is no where free from danger, but is on 
every side open to attack. * Sume superbiam quaesitam 
meritis,' was the maxim of a worldly moralist : but the 



6P CHRISTIANITY. 193 

Christian is aware, that he is particularly assailable where he 
really excels ; there he is in especial danger, lest his mo- 
tives, originally pure, being insensibly corrupted, he should 
be betrayed into an anxiety about worldly favor, false in 
principle or excessive in degree, when he is endeavoring to 
render his virtue amiable and respected in the eyes of others, 
and, ill obedience to the Scripture injunction, is willing to let 
his ' light so shine before men, that they may see his good 
works, and glorify his Father which is in Heaven.' 

He watches himself also on small as well as on great 
occasions : the latter indeed, in the case of many persons, 
can hardly ever be expected to occur ; whereas the former 
are continually presenting themselves : and thus, whilst, on 
the one hand, they may be rendered highly useful in form- 
ing and strengthening a just habit of mind with respect to 
the opinion of the world, so, on the other, they are the 
means most at hand for enabling us to discover our own real 
character. Let not this be slightly passed over. If any one 
finds himself shrinking from disrepute or disesteem in little 
instances, but apt to solace himself wiih the persuasion, that, 
his spirits being fully called forth to the encounter, he 
could boldly stand the brunt of sharper trials ; let him be 
slow to give entertainment to so beguiling a suggestion ; 
and let him not forget, that these little instances, where no 
credit is to be got, (and the vainest can find small room for 
self-complacency,) furnish perhaps the truest tests whether 
we are ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, and are willing, on 
principles really pure, to bear reproach for the name of Jesus. 

The Christian too is well aware, that the excessive desire 
of human approbation is a passion of so subtile a nature, that 
there is nothing into which it cannot penetrate: and, from 
much experience, learning to discover it where it would 
lurk unseen, and to detect it under its most specious dis- 
guises, he finds, that, elsewhere disallowed and excluded, it 
13 apt to insinuate itself into his very religion, where it 
especially delights to dwell, and obstinately maintains its 
residence. Proud piety and ostentatious charity, and all the 
more open effects it there produces, have been often con- 
demned, and we may discover the tendencies to them in 
ourselves, without difficulty. But where it appears not so 
large in bulk, and in shape so unambiguous, let its operation 
be still suspected. Let not the Christian suffer himself 
to be deceived by any external dissimilitudes between him- 
self and the world around him, trusting perhaps to the sin- 
17 



194 PRACTICAL VIEW 

cerity of the principle to which they originally owed their 
rise ; but let him beware lest, through the insensible en- 
croachments of the subtile usurper, his religion should at 
length have " only a name to live," being gradually robbed 
of its vivifying principle ; lest he should be chiefly preserved 
in his religious course by the dread of incurring the charge of 
levity, for quitting a path on which he had deliberately entered. 
Or where, on a strict and impartial scrutiny of his governing 
motives, he may fairly conclude this not to be the case, let 
him beware lest he be influenced by this principle in parti- 
cular parts of his character, and especially where any exter- 
nal singularities are in question ; closely scrutinizing his ap- 
parent motives, lest he should be prompted to his more than 
ordinary religious observances, and be kept from participat- 
ing in the licentious pleasures of a dissipated age, not so 
much by a vigorous principle of internal holiness, as by a 
fear of lessening himself in the good opinion of the stricter 
circle of his associates, or of suffering even in the estimation 
of the world at large, by violating the properties of his as- 
sumed character. 

Parting counsel to those who ivish to bring this passion 
under due regulation. — To those who, in the important par- 
ticular which we have been so long discussing, wish to con- 
form themselves to the injunctions of the word of God, we 
must advise a laborious watchfulness, a jealous guard, a close 
and frequent scrutiny of their own hearts, that they may not 
mistake their real character, and too late find themselves to 
have been mistaken, as to what they had conceived to be their 
governing motives. Above all, let them labor, with humble 
prayers for the divine assistance, to fix in themselves a deep, 
habitual, and practical sense of the excellence of ' that honor 
which Cometh from God,' and of the comparative worthless- 
ness of all earthly estimation and pre-eminence. In truth, 
unless the affections of the soul be thus predominantly engag- 
ed on the side of heavenly, in preference to that of human 
honor, though we may have relinquished the pursuit of fame, 
we shall not have acquired that firm contexture of mind, 
which can bear disgrace and shame without yielding to the 
pressure. Between these two states, the disregarding of 
fame, and the bearing of disgrace, there is a wide interval ; 
and he who, on a sober review of his conduct and motives, 
finds reason to believe he has arrived at the one, must not 
therefore conclude he has reached the other. To the one, 
a little natural moderation and quietness of temper may 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 



195 



be sufficient to conduct us ; but to the other, we can only at- 
tain by much discipline and slow advances ; and when we 
think we have made great way, we shall often find reason 
to confess in the hour of trial, that we had greatly, far too 
greatly, over-rated our progress. 

When engaged too in the prosecution of this course, we 
must be aware of the snares which lie in our way, and of 
the deceits to which we are liable : and we must be provided 
against these impositions, by obtaining a full and distinct 
conception of the temper of mind with regard to human fa- 
vor, which is prescribed to us in the Scriptures ; and, by 
continually examining our hearts and lives, to ascertain how 
far we correspond with it. This will keep us from substi- 
tuting contemplation in the place of action, and from giving 
ourselves too much up to those religious meditations which 
were formerly recommended ; in which we must not in- 
dulge to the neglect of the common duties of life. This 
will keep us also from mistaking the gratification of an indo- 
lent temper for the Christian's disregard of fame : for, let it 
never be forgotten, we must deserve estimation, though we 
should not possess it ; we must force the men of the world 
to acknowledge, that we do not want their boasted spring 
of action to set us in motion ; but that its place is better sup- 
plied to us by another, which produces all the good of theirs 
without its evil ; thus demonstrating the superiority of the 
principle which animates us, by the superior utility and excel- 
lence of its effects. The worldly principle may indeed ren- 
der us kind, friendly, and beneficent ; but it will no longer 
instigate us to promote the happiness or comfort of others, 
than whilst we are stimulated by the desire of their ap- 
plause ; which desire, whatever may be vaunted of its effects 
on social intercourse, is often nothing better than selfishness, 
ill concealed under a superficial covering of exterior courtesy. 
The Christian principle, on the contrary, will operate uni- 
formly, whether approved or not : it must, however, in order 
to approve itself genuine, be nerved indeed with more than 
mortal firmness, but at the same time be sweetened by love, 
and tempered with humility. 

Humility, again, reducing us in our own value, will mode- 
rate our claims on worldly estimation. It will check our 
tendency to ostentation and display, prompting us rather to 
avoid, than to attract notice. It will dispose us to sit down 
in quiet obscurity, though, judging ourselves impartially, we 
believe ourselves better entitled to credit, than those on 



196 PRACTICAL VIEW 

whom it is conferred ; closing the entrance against a proud^ 
painful, and malignant passion, from which, under such cir- 
cumstances, we can otherwise be hardly free, — the passion of 
' high disdain from sense of injured merit.' 

Love and humility will concur in producing a frame of 
mind, not more distinct from an ardent thirst of glory than 
from that frigid disregard, or insolent contempt, or ostenta- 
tious renunciation of human favor and distinction, which we 
have sometimes seen opposed to it. These latter qualities 
may not unfrequently be traced to a slothful, sensual, and 
selfish temper ; to the consciousness of being unequal to any 
great and generous attempts; tothe disappointmentof schemes 
of ambition or of glory ; to a little personal experience of the 
world's capricious and inconstant humor. The renunciation 
in these cases, however sententious, is often far from sin- 
cere ; and it is even made, not unfrequently, with a view to 
the attainment of that very distinction which it affects to dis- 
claim. In some other of these instances, the over-valuation 
and inordinate desire of worldly credit, however disavowed, 
are abundantly evident, from the merit which is assumed for 
relinquishing them ; or from that sour and surly humor, 
which betrays a gloomy and a corroded mind, galled and 
fretting under the irritating sense of the want of that which it 
most wishes to possess. 

But far different is the temper of a Christian. Not a tem- 
per of sordid sensuality, or lazy apathy, or dogmatizing pride, 
or disappointed ambition ; more truly independent of worldly 
estimation than philosophy with all her boasts, it forms a 
perfect contrast to Epicurean selfishness, and to Stoical 
pride, and to Cynical brutality. It is a temper compounded 
of firmness, and complacency, and peace, and love ; and 
manifesting itself in acts of kindness and of courtesy ; a kind- 
ness, not pretended, but genuine ; a courtesy, not false and 
superficial, but cordial and sincere. In the hour of populari- 
ty, it is not intoxicated or insolent ; in the hour of unpopulari- 
ty, it is not desponding or morose ; unshaken in constancy, 
unwearied in benevolence, firm without roughness, and as- 
siduous without servility. 

Notwithstanding the great importance of the topic which 
we have been investigating, it will require much indulgence 
on the part of the reader, to excuse the disproportionate 
length into which the discussion has been almost insensibly 
drawn out : yet this, it is hoped, may not be without its uses, 
if the writer have in any degree succeeded in his endea-» 



OP CMRISTIANITT. 19T 

vor, to point out the dangerous qualities and unchristian 
tendencies of a principle, of such general predominance 
throughout the higher classes of society, and to suggest to 
the serious inquirer some practical hints for its regulation and 
control. Since the principle, too, of which we have been 
treating, is one of the most ordinary modifications of pride ; 
the discussion may also serve in some degree to supply a 
manifest deficiency, a deficiency to be ascribed to the fear of 
trespassing too far on the reader's patience, in having but 
slightly touched on the allowed prevalence of that master- 
passion, and on the allowed neglect ofits opposite, humility. 

Sect. IV. 

The generally prevailing Error, of suhsliiuiing amiable 
Tempers and useful Lives in the place of Religion, stated 
and confuted ; with Hints to real Christians. 

Generally prevailing error, — There is another practical 
error very generally prevalent, the efiects of which are high- 
ly injurious to the cause of religion ; and which, in particular, 
is often brought forward when, upon Christian principles, any 
advocates for Christianity would press the practice of Chris- 
tian virtues. 

The error to which we allude, is that of exaggerating the 
merit of certain amiable and useful qualities, and of consid- 
ering them as of themselves sufficient to compensate for the 
want of the supreme love and fear of God. 

It seems to be an opinion pretty generally prevalent, that 
kindness and sweetness of temper ; sympathizing, benevo- 
lent, and generous affections ; attention to what in the 
world's estimation are the domestic, relative, and social du- 
ties ; and, above all, a life of general activity and usefulness, 
may well be allowed, in our imperfect state, to make up for 
the defect of what, in strict propriety of speech, is termed 
religion. 

Common language on this head. — Many indeed will unre- 
servedly declare, and more will hint the opinion, that * the dif- 
ference between the qualities above-mentioned and religion, 
is rather a verbal or logical, than a real and essential differ- 
ence ; for, in truth, what are they but religion in substance if 
not in name ? Is it not the great end of religion, and in par- 
ticular the glory of Christianity, to extinguish the malignant 
passions ; to curb the violence, to control the appetites, and 
17* 



198 PRACTICAL VIEW 

to smooth the asperities of man ; to make us compassionate^ 
and kind, and forgiving one to another ; to make us good 
husbands, good fathers, good friends, and to render us active 
and useful in the discharge of the relative, social, and civil 
duties ? We do not deny that, in the general mass of soci 
ety, and particularly in the lovi^er orders, such conduct and 
tempers cannot be diffused and maintained by any other me- 
dium than that of religion. But if the end be effected, surely 
it is only unnecessary refinement to dispute about the means. 
It is even to forget your own principles ; and to refuse its 
just place to solid practical virtue, while you assign too high 
a value to speculative opinions.' 

Thus a fatal distinction is admitted between morality and 
religion : a great and desperate error, of which it is the more 
necessary to take notice ; because many who would con- 
demn, as too strong, the language in which this opinion is 
sometimes openly avowed, are yet more or less tinctured with 
the notion itself; and under the habitual and almost unper- 
ceived influence of this beguiling suggestion, are vainly sola- 
cing their imaginations, and repressing their well-grounded 
fears concerning their own state ; and are also quieting their 
just solicitude concerning the spiritual condition of others, and 
soothing themselves in the neglect of friendly endeavors for 
their improvement. 

There can hardly be a strongerproof of the cursory and su- 
perficial views with which men are apt to satisfy themselves 
in religious concerns, than the prevalence of the opinion here 
io question ; the falsehood and sophistry of which must be 
acknowledged by any one who, admitting the authority of 
Scripture, will examine it with ever so little seriousness and 
impartiality of mind. 

The worth of amiable tempers estimated by the standard of 
unassisted reason* — JWany false pretenders to these tempers, — 
Appealing indeed to a less strict standard, it would not be 
difficult to show that the moral worth of these sweet and 
benevolent tempers, and of these useful lives, is apt to be 
greatly over-rated. The former involuntarily gain upon our 
affections, and disarm our severer judgments, by their kind- 
ly complying, and apparently disinterested nature ; by their 
prompting men to flatter instead of mortifying our pride, to 
sympathize either with our joys or our sorrows, to abound 
in obliging attentions and offices of courtesy ; by their obvi- 
ous tendency to produce and maintain harmony and comfort 
ia social and domestic life. It is not however unworthy of 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 199 

remark, that, from the commendations which are so gener- 
ally bestowed on these quahties, and their rendering men 
universally acceptable and popular, there is many a false 
pretender to them, who gains a credit for them which he by 
no means deserves ; in whom they are no more than the 
proprieties of his assumed character, or even a mask which 
is worn in public, only the better to conceal an opposite 
temper. Would you see this man of courtesy and sweetness 
stripped of his false covering, follow him unobserved into his 
family ; and you shall behold, too plain to be mistaken, selfish- 
ness and spleen harassing and vexing the wretched subjects 
of his unmanly tyranny ; as if, being released at length from 
their confinement, they were making up to themselves for 
the restraint which had been imposed on them in the world. 

Real nature of amiable tempers when not grounded in reli- 
gion. — But where the benevolent qualities are genuine, they 
often deserve the name rather of amiable instincts, than of 
moral virtues. In many cases, they imply no mental conflict, 
no previous discipline : they are apt to evaporate in barren 
sensibilities, and transitory sympathies, and indolent wishes, 
and unproductive declarations : they possess not that strength 
and energy of character, which, in contempt of difficulties 
and dangers, produce alacrity in service, and vigor and per- 
severance in action. Destitute of proper firmness, they 
often encourage that vice and folly, which it is their espe- 
cial duty to repress ; and it is well if, from their soft com- 
plying humor, they are not often drawn in to participate in 
what is wrong, as well as to connive at it. Thus their pos- 
sessors are frequently, in the eye of truth and reason, bad 
magistrates and parents, bad friends ; defective in those 
very qualities, which give to each of those several relations 
its chief and appropriate value. And here it may be ob- 
served, that persons thus defective can ill establish the claim 
which is often preferred on their behalf, that they are free from 
selfishness ; for if we trace such deficiencies to their true 
source, they will be found to arise chiefly from indisposition to 
submit toa painful effort, though real good-will commands that 
sacrifice, or from the fear of lessening the regard in which 
we are held, and the good opinion which is entertained of us. 

Their short and precarious duration, — It should farther 
also be observed concerning these qualities, when they 
are not rooted in religion, that they are of a sickly and 
a short-lived nature, and want that hardy and vigorous 



200 PRACTICAL VIEW 

temperament, which is requisite for enabling them to bear 
without injury, or even to survive, the rude shocks and the 
variable and churlish seasons, to which, in such a world as 
this, they must ever be exposed. It is only a Christian 
love, of which it is the character, that * it suffereth long, 
and yet is kind ;' ' that it is not easily provoked, that it 
beareth all things, and endureth all things.' In the spring 
of youth, indeed, the blood flows freely through the veins ; 
we are flushed with health and confidence ; hope is young, 
and ardent, our desires are unsated, and whatever we see 
has the grace of novelty ; we are the more disposed to be 
good-natured, because we are pleased ; pleased, because 
universally well received. Wherever we cast our eyes, we 
see some face of friendship, and love, and gratulation. All 
nature smiles around us. In this season the amiable tempers 
of which we have been speaking naturally spring up. The 
soil suits, the climate favors them. They appear to shoot 
forth vigorously, and blossom in gay luxuriance. To the 
superficial eye, all is fair and flourishing ; we anticipate the 
fruits of autumn, and promise ourselves an ample pro- 
duce. But by and by the sun scorches, the frost nips, 
the winds rise, the rains descend ; our golden dreams are 
blasted, all our fond expectations are no more. Our youth- 
ful eflbrts, let it be supposed, have been successful ; and we 
rise to wealth or eminence. A kind flexible temper and 
popular manners have produced in us, as they are too apt, 
a youth of easy social dissipation, and unproductive idle- 
ness ; and we are overtaken too late by the consciousness 
of having wasted that time which cannot be recalled, and 
those opportunities which we cannot now recover. We 
sink into disregard and obscurity, when, there being a 
call for qualities of more energy, indolent good-nature 
must fdll back. We are thrust out of notice by accident 
or misfortunes. We are left behind by those with whom we 
started on equal terms, and who, originally, perhaps having 
less pretensions and fewer advantages, have greatly out- 
stripped us in the race of honor : and their having got be- 
fore us is often the more galling, because it appears to us, 
and perhaps with reason, to have been chiefly owing to a 
generous easy good-natured humor on our part, which dis- 
posed us to allow them at first to pass by us without jeal- 
ousy, and led us to give place, without a struggle, to their 
more lofty pretensions. Thus we suffered them quietly to 
occupy a station to which originally we had as fair a claim as 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 201 

they ; but this station being once tamely surrendered, we 
have forfeited it for ever. Meanwhile our awkward and 
vain endeavors to recover it, at the same time that they 
show us to be not less wanting in self-knowledge and com- 
posure in our riper years, than in our younger we had been 
destitute of exertion, serve only to make our inferiority more 
manifest, and to bring our discontent into the fuller notice 
of an ill-natured world, which, however, not unjustly con- 
demns and ridicules our misplaced ambition. 

It may be sufficient to have hinted at a few of the vicissi- 
tudes of advancing life ; let the reader's own mind fill up 
the catalogue. Now the bosom is no longer cheerful and 
placid ; and if the countenance preserve its exterior charac- 
ter, this is no longer the honest expression of the heart. 
Prosperity and luxury, gradually extinguishing sympathy, 
and puffing up with pride, harden and debase the soul. In 
other instances, shame secretly clouds, and remorse begins to 
sting, and suspicion to corrode, and jealousy and envy to em- 
bitter. Disappointed hopes, unsuccessful competitions, and 
frustrated pursuits, sour and irritate the temper. A little 
personal experience of the selfishness of mankind damps our 
generous warmth and kind affections ; reproving the prompt 
sensibility and unsuspecting simplicity of our earlier years. 
Above all, ingratitude sickens the heart, and chills and thick- 
ens the very life's blood of benevolence : till at length our 
youthful Nero, soft and susceptible, becomes a hard and 
cruel tyrant ; and our youthful Tinion, the gay, the gener- 
ous, the beneficent, is changed into a cold, sour, silent 
misanthrope. 

Worth of useful lives estimated by the standard of unassist- 
ed reason. — And as in the case of amiable tempers, so in that 
also of what are called useful lives, it must be confessed that 
their intrinsic worth, arguing still merely on principles of rea- 
son, is apt to be greatly overrated. They are often the result 
of a disposition naturally bustling and active, which delights 
in motion, and finds its labor more than repaid, either by the 
very pleasure which it takes in its employments, or by the 
credit which it derives from them. Nay, further ; if it be 
granted that religion tends in general to produce usefulness, 
particularly in the lower orders, who compose a vast major 
ity of every society ; and therefore, that these irreligious 
men of useful lives are rather exceptions to the general rule ; 
it must at least be confessed, that they are so far useless, or 
even positively mischievous, as they either neglect to en- 



202 PRACTICAL VIEW 

courage, or actually discourage, that principle, which is the 
great operative spring of usefulness in the bulk of mankind. 
Thus it might well perhaps be questioned, estimating these 
men by their own standard, whether the j^^^^^^^culai^ good in 
this case is not more than counterbalanced by the general 
evil ; still more, if their conduct being brought to a strict ac- 
count, they should be charged, as they justly ought, with the 
Joss of the good which, if they had manifestly and avowedly 
acted from a higher principle, might have been produced not 
only directly in themselves, but indirectly and remotely in 
others, from the extended efficacy of a religious example. 
They may be compared, not unaptly, to persons whom some 
peculiarity of constitution enables to set at defiance those es- 
tablished rules of living, which must be observed by the world 
at large. These healthy debauchees, however they may 
plead in their defenct; that ihey do themselves no injury, 
would probably, but for their excesses, have both enjoyed 
their health belter, and preserved it longer, as well as have 
turned it to better account ; and it may at least be urged 
against them, that they disparage the laws of temperance, and 
fatally betray others into the breach of them, by affording an 
instance of their being transgressed with impunity. 

Real worth of amiable tempers and useful lives, when not 
grounded in Religion, estimated on Christian 'principles* — 
But were the merit of these amiable qualities greater 
than it is, and though it were not liable to the exceptions 
which have been alleged against it, yet could they be in 
no degree admitted as a compensation for the want of the 
supreme love and fear of God, and of a predominant de- 
sire to promote his glory. The observance of one com- 
mandment, however clearly and forcibly enjoined, cannot 
make up for the neglect of another, which is enjoined with 
equal clearness and equal force. To allow this plea in the 
present instance, would be to permit men to abrogate the 
first table of the law on condition of their obeying the se- 
cond. But religion suffers not any such composilim of du- 
ties. It is on the very self same miserable principle, that 
some have thought to atone for a life of injustice and rapine 
by the strictness of their religious observances. If the for- 
mer class of men can plead the diligent discharge of their 
duties to their fellow-creatures, the latter will urge that of 
theirs to God. We easily see the falsehood of the plea in 
the latter case ; and it is only self-deceit and partiality which 
prevent its being equally visible in the former. Yet so it 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 203 

is ; such is the unequal measure, if I may be allowed the ex- 
pression, which we deal out to God, and to each other. It 
would justly and universally be thought false confidence in 
the religious thief or the religious adulterer, (to admit, for the 
sake of argument, such a solecism in terms) to solace him- 
self with the firm persuasion of the divine favor ; but it will, 
to many, appear hard and precise, to deny this firm persua- 
sion of divine approbation to the avowedly irreligious man of 
social and domestic usefulness. 

Will it here be urged, that the writer is not doing justice to 
his opponent's argument ; which is not, that irreligious men 
of useful lives maybe excused for neglecting their duties 
towards God, in consideration of their exemplary discharge 
of their duties towards their fellow-creatures ; jjut that, in 
performing the latter, they perform the former, virtually and 
substantially, if not in name ? 

Can then our opponent deny, that (he Holy Scriptures are 
in nothing more full and unequivocal, than in requiring us 
supremely to love and fear God, and to worship and serve 
him continually with humble and grateful hearts ; habitually 
to regard him as our Benefactor, and Sovereign, and Father, 
and to abound in sentiments of gratitude, and loyalty, and 
respectful affection 1 Can he deny that these positive precepts 
are rendered, if possible, still more clear, and their authority 
still more binding, by illustrations and indirect confirmations 
almost innumerable ? And who then is that bold intruder 
into the counsels of infinite wisdom, who, in palpable con- 
tempt of these precise commands, thus illustrated also and 
confirmed, will dare to maintain that, knowing the intention 
with which they were primarily given, and the ends they were 
ultimately designed to produce, he may innocently neglect or 
violate their plain obligations ; on the plea that he conforms 
himself, though in a different manner to this primary intention, 
and produces, though by different means, these real and ulti- 
mate ends? 

This mode of arguing (to say nothing of its insolent pro- 
faneness,) would, if once admitted, afford (as has been al- 
ready shown) the means of refining away by turns every 
moral obligation. 

But this miserable sophistry deserves not that we should 
spend so much time in the refutation of it. To discern its 
fallaciousness, requires not acuteness of understanding, so 
much as a little common honesty. » There is indeed no 
surer mark of a false and hollow heart, than a disposition 



204 PRACTICAL VIEW 

thus to quibble away the clear injunctions of du(y and con- 
science.'* It is the wretched resource of a disingenuous 
mind, endeavoring to escape from convictions before which 
it cannot stand, and to evade obligations which it dares not 
disavow. 

The arguments which have been adduced would surely be 
sufficient to disprove the extravagant pretensions of the quali- 
ties under consideration, though those qualities were perfect 
in their nature. But they are not perfect. On the contrary, 
they are radically defective and corrupt ; they are a body 
without a soul ; they want the vital actuating principle, or 
rather they are animated and actuated by a false principle. 
Christianity, let me avail myself of the very few words of a 
friend| in maintaining her argument, is * a religion of motives.' 
That only is Christian practice, which flows from Christian 
principles, and none else will be admitted as such by Him, 
who will be obeyed, as well as worshipped, ' in spirit and in 
truth.' 

This also is a position, of which, in our intercourse with 
our fellow-creatures, we clearly discern the justice, and uni- 
versally admit the force. Though we have received a benefit 
at the hands of ally one, we scarcely feel grateful, if we do 
not believe the intention towards us to have been friendly. 
Have we served any one from motives of kindness, and 
is a return of service made to us 1 We hardly feel our- 
selves worthily requited, except that return be dictated by 
gratitude. We should think ourselves rather injured than 
obliged by it, if it were merely prompted by a proud un- 
willingness to continue in our debt.J What husband, or 
what father, not absolutely dead to every generous feeling, 
would be satisfied with a wife or child, who, though he could 
not charge them with any actual breach of their respective 
obligations, should yet confessedly perform them from a cold 
sense of duty, in place of the quickening energies of conju- 
gal and filial affection ? What an insult would it be to such 
a one, to tell him gravely that he had no reason to com- 
plain ! 

The unfairness with which we sufler ourselves to reason 
in matters of religion, is no where more striking than in the 



* Vide Smith's Theory on Moral Seniiaicnts. 
t The writer hopes that the work to which he is referring is so well 
known, that he needs scarcely to name Mrs. H. More. 
X See Smith's Theory on Moral Sentiments, 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 206 

instance before us. It were perhaps not unnatural to sup- 
l^ose^ that, as we cannot see into each other's bosoms, and 
have no sure way of judging any one's internal principles 
but by his external actions, it would have grown into an es- 
tablished rule, that, when the latter were unobjectionable, 
the former were not to be questioned ; and, on the other 
hand, that, in reference to a Being who searches the heart, 
our motives, rather than our external actions, would be 
granted to be the just objects of inquiry. But we exactly 
reverse these natural principles of reasoning. In the case 
of our fellow-creatures, the motive is that which we princi- 
pally inquire after and regard ; but in the case of our su- 
preme Judge, from whom no secrets are hid, we suffer our- 
selves to believe, that internal principles may be dispensed 
with, if the external action be performed ! 

Let us not however be supposed ready to concede, in con- 
tradiction to what has been formerly contended, that where 
the true motive is wanting, the external actions themselves 
will not generally betray the defect. Who is there that will 
not confess, in the instance of a wife and a child who should 
discharge their respective obligations merely from a cold 
sense of duty, that the inferiority of their actuating principle 
would not be confined to its nature, but would be discover- 
able also in its effects ? Who is there that does not feel that 
these domestic services, thus robbed of their vital spirit, 
would be so debased and degraded in our estimation, as to 
become, not barely lifeless and uninteresting, but even dis- 
tasteful and loathsome 1 Who will deny that these would be 
performed in fuller measure, with more wakeful and unwea- 
ried attention, as well as with more heart, where, with the 
same sense of duty, the enlivening principle of affection 
should also be associated ? 

The true Christian really the most amiable and useful, — 
The enemies of religion are sometimes apt to compare the 
irreligious man, of a temper naturally sweet and amiable, 
with the religious man of natural roughness and severity ; 
the irreligious man of natural activity, with the religious man 
who is naturally indolent ; and thence to draw their infer- 
ences. But this mode of reasoning is surely unjust. If 
they would argue the question fairly, they should make 
their comparisons between persons of similar natural quali- 
ties, and not in one or two examples, but in a mass of instan- 
ces. They would then be compelled to confess the efficacy 
of religion, in heightening the benevolence, and increasuig the 
18 



206 PRACTICAL VIEW 

usefulness, of men : and to admit, that, even supposmg^a gen- 
uine benevolence of disposition, and persevering usefulness 
of life, occasionally to exist where the religious principle is 
wanting, yet true religion (which confessedly implants those 
qualities where before they had no place) would have given 
to those very characters in whom they do exist, additional 
force in the same direction. It would have rendered the 
amiable more amiable, the useful more useful, with fewer 
inconsistencies, with less abatement. 

Jldmonitions to true Christians on these heads, — To the 
naturally sweet-tempered and active. — Let true Christiana 
meanwhile be ever mindful, that they are loudly called 
upon to make this argument still more clear, these po- 
sitions still less questionable. You are every where com- 
manded to be tender and sympathetic, diligent and useful ; 
and it is the character of that ' wisdom from above,' in 
which you are to be proficients, that it ' is gentle and 
easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.' Could 
the efficacy of Christianity, in softening the heart, be de- 
nied by those who saw, in the instance of the great apostle 
of the Gentiles, that it was able to transform a bigoted, 
furious, and cruel persecutor, into an almost unequalled 
example of candor, and gentleness, and universal tender- 
ness and love ] Could its spirit of active beneficence be 
denied by those, who saw its divine Author so diligent and 
unwearied in his benevolent labors, as to justify the com- 
pendious description which was given of him by a personal 
witness of his exertions, that he 'went about doing goodl' 
Imitate these blessed examples : so shall you vindicate the 
honor of your profession, and * put to silence the igno- 
rance of foolish men :' so shall you obey those divine in- 
junctions of adorning the doctrine of Christ, and of ' letting 
your light shine before men, that they may see your good 
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.' Beat 
the world at its own best weapons. Let your love be more 
affectionate, your mildness less open to irritation, your dili- 
gence more laborious, your activity more wakeful and per- 
severing. Consider sweetness of temper and activity of mind, 
if they naturally belong to you, as talents of special worth 
and utility, for which you will have to give account. Care- 
fully watch against whatever might impair them, cherish 
them with constant assiduity, keep them in continual exer- 
cise, and direct them to their noblest ends. The latter of 
these qualities renders it less difficult, and therefore more 
incumbent on you, to be ever abounding in the work of the 



Of CHRISTlANlttrfc 207 

Lord ; arid to be copious in the production of that species of 
good fruit, of which mankind in general will be most ready 
to allow the excellence, because they best understand its 
nature. In your instance, the solid substance of Christian 
practice is easily susceptible of that high aud beautiful pol- 
ish, which may attract the attention, and extort the admira- 
tion, of a careless and undiscerning world, so slow to notice, 
and so backward to acknowledge, intrinsic worth, when con- 
cealed under a less sightly exterior. Know then, and value 
as ye ought, the honorable office which is especially devolved 
on you. Let it be your acceptable service to recommend 
the discredited cause, and sustain the fainting interests of 
religion, to furnish to her friends matter of sound and obvi- 
ous argument, and of honest triumph : and if your best en- 
deavors cannot conciliate, to refute at least and confound 
her enemies. 

To the naturallij rough and austere. — If, on the other 
hand, you are conscious that you are naturally rough and aus- 
tere, that disappointments have soured, or prosperity has 
elated you, or that habits of command have rendered you 
quick in expression, and impatient of contradiction ; or if, 
from whatever other cause, you have contracted an unhappy 
peevishness of temper, or asperity of manners, or harshness 
and severity of language, (remember that these defects are 
by no means incompatible with an aptness to perform ser- 
vices of substantial kindness ;) if nature has been confirmed 
by habit till at length your soul seems thoroughly tinctured 
with these evil dispositions, yet do not despair. Remember 
that the divine agency is promised, ' to take away the heart 
of stone, and give a heart of flesh,' of which it is the natural 
property to be tender and impressible. Pray then, earnestly 
and perseveringly, that the blessed aid of divine grace may 
operate effectually on your behalf. Beware of acquiescing 
in the evil tempers which have been condemned, under the 
idea that they are the ordinary imperfections of the best of 
men ; that they show themselves only in little instances ; 
that they are only occasional, hasty, and transient effusions, 
when you are taken off your guard ; the passing shade of 
your mind, and not the settled color. Beware of excusing or 
allowing them in yourself, under the notion of warm zeal 
for the cause of religion and virtue, which you perhaps own 
is now and then apt to carry you into somewhat over-great 
severity of judgment, or sharpness in reproof. Listen not 
to these, or any other such flattering excuses, which your own 



208 PRACTICAL VIEW 

heart will be but too ready to suggest to you. Scrutinize 
yourself rather with rigorous strictness ; and where there is 
so much room for self-deceit, call in the aid of some faithful 
friend, and, unbosoming yourself to him without concealment, 
ask his impartial and unreserved opinion of your behavior 
and condition. Our unwillingness to do this, often betrays 
to others, indeed it not seldom discovers to ourselves, that 
we entertain a secret distrust of our own character and con- 
duct. Instead also of extenuating to yourself the criminality 
of the vicious tempers under consideration, strive to impress 
your mind deeply with a sense of it. For this end, often 
consider seriously, that these rough and churlish tempers 
are a direct contrast to the ' meekness and gentleness of 
Christ ;" and that Christians are strongly and repeatedly 
enjoined to copy after their great model in these particulars, 
and to be themselves patterns of 'mercy, and kindness, and 
humbleness of mind, and meekness, and long-suffering.' 
They are to ' put away all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, 
and clamor, and evil-speaking,' not only ' being ready to 
every good work, but being gentle unto all men,' ' showing 
all meekness unto all men,' ' forbearing, forgiving, tender- 
hearted.' Remember the apostle's declaration, that ' if any 
man bridleth not his tongue, he only seemeth to be religious, 
and deceiveth his own heart ;' and that it is one of the charac- 
ters of that love, without which all pretensions to the name 
of Christian are but vain, that ' it doth not behave itself 
unseemly.' Consider how much these acrimonious tem- 
pers must break in upon the peace, and destroy the comfort, 
of those around you. Remember also that the honor of 
your Christian profession is at stake, and be solicitous not to 
discredit it : justly dreading lest you should disgust those 
whom you ought to conciliate ; and by conveying an unfa- 
vorable impression of your principles and character, should 
incur the guilt of putting an 'offence in your brother's way,' 
thereby ' hindering the gospel of Christ,' — the advancement 
of which should be your daily and assiduous care. 

Thus having come to the full knowledge of your disease, 
and to a just impression of its malignity, strive against it 
with incessant watchfulness. Guard with the most jealous 
circumspection against its breaking forth into act. Force 
yourself to abound in little offices of courtesy and kindness ; 
and you shall gradually experience in the performance of 
these a pleasure hitherto unknown, and awaken in yourself 



OP CHRISTIANITY* 209 

the dormant principles of sensibility. But take not up with 
external amendment ; guard against a false show of sweet- 
ness of disposition ; and remember that the Christian is not 
to be satisfied with the world's superficial courtUness of de- 
meanor, but that his ' love is to be without dissimulation.' 
Examine carefully, whether the unchristian tempers, which 
you would eradicate, are not maintained in vigor by sel- 
fishness and pride ; and strive to subdue them effectually, 
by extirpating the roots from which they derive their nutri- 
ment. Accustom yourself to endeavor to look attentively 
upon a careless and inconsiderate world, which, while it is 
in such imminent peril, is so ignorant of its danger. Dwell 
upon this affecting scene, till it has excited your pity ; and 
this pity^ while it melts the mind to Christian love, shall in- 
sensibly produce a temper of habitual sj^mpathy and softness. 
By means like these, perseveringly used in constant depend- 
ence on divine aid, you may confidently hope to make con- 
tinual progress. Among men of the world, a youth of soft- 
ness and sweetness will often, as we formerly remarked, har- 
den into insensibility, and sharpen into moroseness. But it 
is the office of Christianity to reverse this order. It is pleas- 
ing to witness this blessed renovation : to see, as life ad- 
vances, asperities gradually smoothing down, and austeri- 
ties mellowing away : while the subject of this happy 
change experiences within, increasing measures of the com- 
fort which he diffuses around him ; and, feeling the genial 
influences of that heavenly flame which can thus give life, and 
warmth, and action, to what had been hitherto rigid and insen- 
sible, looks up with gratitude to him who has shed abroad 
this principle of love in his heart ; 

Miraturque novas frondes et non sua 23oma. 

Their just praise given to amiable tempers and useful lives. 
— Let it not be thought that, in the foregoing discussion, the 
amiable and useful qualities, where they are not prompted 
and governed by a principle of religion, have been spoken 
of in too disparaging terms. Nor would I be understood as 
unwilling to concede to those who are living in the exer- 
cise of them, their proper tribute of commendation : Inest 
sua gratia. Of such persons it must be said, in the lan- 
guage of Scripture, * they have their reward.' They have 
it in the inward complacency which a sweet temper seldom 
fails to inspire ; in the comforts of the domestic or social cir- 
cle ; in the pleasure which, from the constitution of our na- 
ture, accompanies pursuit and action. They are always be* 
18* 



210 fHACTlCAt riEtf 

loved in private^ and generally respected in public life, fiut 
when devoid of religion, if the \yord of God be not a fable, 
' they cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven.' True 
practical Christianity (never let it be forgotten) consists in 
devoting the heart and life to God ; in being supremely and 
habitually governed by a desire to know, and a disposition to 
fulfil his will, and in endeavoring, under the influence of these 
motives, to ' live to his glory.' Where these essential requi- 
sites are wanting, however amiable the character may be, 
however creditable and respectable among men ; yet, as it 
possesses not the grand distinguishing essence, it must not 
be complimented with the name of Christianity. This, how- 
ever, when the external decorums of religion are not violated, 
must commonly be a matter between God and a man's own 
conscience ; and we ought never to forget, how strongly we 
are enjoined to be candid and liberal in judging of the motives 
of others, while we are strict in scrutinizing, and severe in 
questioning, our own. And this strict scrutiny is no where 
more necessary, because there is no where more room for the 
operation of self-deceit* We are all extremely prone to lend 
ourselves to the good opinion, which, however falsely, is en- 
tertained of us by others ; and though we at first confusedly 
suspect, or even indubitably know, that their esteem is un- 
founded, and their praises undeserved, and that ihey would 
have thought and spoken of us very differently, if they had 
discerned our secret motives, or had been accurately ac- 
quainted with all the circumstances of our conduct ; we gradu- 
ally suffer ourselves to adopt their judgment of us, and at 
length feel that we are in some sort injured, or denied our 
due, when these false commendations are contradicted or 
withheld. 

Our amiableness of temper and usefulness of life, apt to de- 
ceive and mislead us, — Danger to true Christians from mixing 
too much in worldly business, — Without the most constant 
watchfulness, and the most close and impartial self-examina- 
tion, irrehgious people of amiable tempers, and still more those 
of useful lives, from the general popularity of their character, 
will be particularly liable to become the dupes of this propen- 
sity. Nor is it they only who have here need to be on their 
guard : men of real religion will also do well to watch against 
this delusion. There is, however, another danger to which 
these are still more exposed, and against which it is the 
rather necessary to warn them, because of our having insist- 
ed so trongly on their being bound to be diligent in the dis- 
charge of the active duties of life. In their endeavors to 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 211 

fulfil this obligation, let them particularly beware, lest, set- 
ting out on right principles, they insensibly lose them in the 
course of their progress ; lest engaging originally in the 
business and bustle of the world, from a sincere and earnest 
desire to promote the glory of God, their minds should be- 
come so heated and absorbed in the pursuit of their object, 
as that the true motive of action should either altogether 
cease to be an habitual principle, or should at least lose much 
of its life and vigor ; and lest, their thoughts and affections 
being engrossed by temporal concerns, their sense of the 
reality of ' unseen things' should fade away, and they 
should lose their relish for the employments and offices of reli- 
gion. 

The Christian's path is beset with dangers. On the one 
hand, he justly dreads an inactive and unprofitable life ; on 
the other hand, he no less justly trembles for the loss of that 
spiritual-mindedness, which is the very essence and power of 
his profession. This is not quite the place for the full discus- 
sion of the difficult topic now before us : and if it were, the 
writer of these sheets is too conscious of his own incompe- 
tency, not to be desirous of asking, rather than of giving, ad- 
vice respecting it. Yet as it is a matter which has often en- 
gaged his most serious consideration, and has been the fre- 
quent subject of his anxious inquiry into the writings and 
opinions of far better instructors, he will venture to deliver a 
few words on it, offering them with unaffected diffidence. 

Mvice to such as suspect this to be their case, — Does, 
then, the Christian discover in himself, judging not from 
accidental and occasional feelings, (on which little stress 
is either way to be laid,) but from the permanent and 
habitual temper of his mind, a settled, and, still more, a 
growing coldness and indisposition towards the considera- 
tions and offices of religion] And has he reason to appre- 
hend that this coldness and indisposition are owing to his be- 
ing engaged too much or too earnestly in worldly business, or 
to his being too keen in the pursuit of worldly objects ? Let 
him carefully examine the state of his own heart, and serious- 
ly and impartially survey the circumstances of his situation in 
life ; humbly praying to the Father of light and mercy, that he 
may be enabled to see his way clearly in this difficult emer- 
gency. If he finds himself pursuing wealth, or dignity, or 
reputation, with earnestness and solicitude ; if these things 
engage many of his thoughts ; if his mind naturally and inad- 
vertently runs out into contemplations of them ; if success in 



212 PRACTICAL VIEW 

these respects greatly gladdens, and disappointments dispirit 
and distress his mind ; he has but loo plain grounds for self- 
condemnation. * No man can serve two masters.' The world 
is evidently in possession of his heart ; and it is no wonder 
that he finds himself dull, or rather dead, to the impression 
and enjoyment of spiritual things. 

But though the marks of predominant estimation and re- 
gard for earthly things be much less clear and determinate, 
yet, if the object which he is pursuing be one which, by its 
attainment, would bring him a considerable accession of 
riches, station, or honor, let him soberly and fairly ques- 
tion and examine, whether the pursuit be warrantable ; here 
also, asking the advice of some judicious friend ; his back- 
wardness to do which, in instances like these, should justly 
lead him to distrust the reasonableness of the schemes 
which he is prosecuting. In such a case as this, we have 
good cause to distrust ourselves. Though the inward hope, 
that we are chiefly prompted by a desire to promote the glory 
of our Maker, and the happiness of our fellow-creatures, by 
increasing our means of usefulness, may suggest itself to allay 
our suspicions, yet let it not altogether remove them. It is 
not improbable, that, beneath this plausible mask, we conceal, 
more successfully perhaps from ourselves than from others, 
an inordinate attachment to the pomps and transitory distinc- 
tions of this life ; and, as this attachment gains the ascendency, 
it will ever be found, that our perception and feeling of the su- 
preme excellence of heavenly things will proportionably 
subside. 

But when the consequences which would follow from the 
success of our worldly pursuits do not render them so ques- 
tionable, as in the case we have been just considering ; yet, 
having such good reason to believe that there is somewhere 
a flaw, could we but discern it, let us carefully scrutinize 
the whole of our conduct, in order to discover whether we 
may not be living either in the breach, or in the omission, of 
some known duty ; and whether it may not, therefore, have 
pleased God to withdraw from us the influence of his Holy 
Spirit; particularly inquiring, whether the duties of self- 
examinntion, of secret and public prayer, the reading of the 
Holy Scriptures, and the other prescribed means of grace, 
have not been either wholly intermitted at their proper sea- 
sons, or at least been performed with precipitation or distrac- 
tion? And if we find reason to believe, that the allotment of 
time which it would be most for our spiritual improvement 



4 



OP CHRlSTlANITr. 213 

to assiu;n U) our religious offices, is often broken in upon and 
curtailed ; let us be extremely backward to admit excuses for 
such in erruptions and abridgments. It is more than proba- 
ble, for many obvious reasons, that even our worldly affairs 
themse'ves will not, on the long run, go on the better for en- 
croaching upon those hours which ought to be dedicated to 
the m )re immediate service of God, and to the cultivation 
of the inward principles of religion. Our hearts at least, 
and our conduct, will soon exhibit proofs of the sad effects 
of this fatal negligence. They who in a crazy vessel navi- 
gate a se I aberein are shoals and currents innumerable, if 
they would keep their course, or reach their port in safety, 
must carefully repair die smallest injuries, and often throw 
out their line and take their observations. In the voyage 
of life also the Christian who would not make shipwreck of 
his faith, while he is habitually watchful and provident, must 
often make it his express business to look into his state, and 
to ascertam his progress. 

But, to resume my subject ; let us, when engaged in this 
important scrutiny, impartially examine ourselves, whether 
the worldly objects which engross us, are all of them such 
as properly belong to our profession, or station, or circum- 
stances in life ; which therefore we could not neglect with 
a good consilience? If they be, let us consider whether 
these do not consume a larger share of our time than they 
really require ; and whether, by not trifling over our work, 
by deducting somewhat which might be spared from our 
hours of relaxation, or by some other little management, we 
might not iully satisfy their just claims, and yet have an in- 
creased overplus of leisure, to be devoted to the offices of 
religion. 

But if we deliberately and honestly conclude that we 
ought not to give these worldly objects less of our /nne, let 
us endeavor at least to give them less of our hearts; striv- 
ing, that the settled frame of our desires and affections may 
be more spiritual ; and that, in the motley intercourses of 
life, we may constantly retain a more lively sense of the di- 
vine presence, and a stronc^er impression of the reality of un- 
seen things : thus corresponding with the Scripture descrip- 
tion of true Christians, ' walking by faith and not by sight, 
and having our conversation in heaven,' 

Above all, let us g lard against the temptation, to which 
we shall certainly be exposed, of lowering down our views to 
our state, instead of endeavoring to rise to the level of our 
views. Let us rather determine to know the worst of our 



214 PRACTICAL VIEW 

case, and strive to be suitably affected with it ; not forward to 
speak peace to ourselves, but patiently carrying about with 
us a deep conviction of our backwardness and in-ciptitude to 
religious duties, and a just sense of our great weakness and 
nunfierous infirmities. This cannot be an unbecoming tem- 
per, in those who are commanded to * work out tiieir salva- 
tion with fear and trembling.' It prompts to constant and 
earnest prayer. It produces that sobrieiy, and lowliness, 
and tenderness of mind, that meekness of demeanor, and 
circumspection in conduct, which are such eminent charac- 
teristics of the true Christian. 

Nor is it a state devoid of consolation. ' O tarry thou 
the Lord's leisure, be strong, and be shall comfort thy heart.' 
— *They that wait on the Lord, shall renew their strength.' 
— 'Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comfort- 
ed,' These divine assurances sooth and encourage the 
Christian's disturbed and dejected mind, and insensibly dif- 
fuse a holy composure. The tint may be solemn, nay, even 
melancholy, but it is mild and grateful. The tumult of his 
soul has subsided, and^he is possessed by complacency, and 
hope, and love. If a sense of undeserved kindness fill his 
eyes with tears, they are tears of reconciliation and joy; 
while a generous ardor springing up within him, sends 
him forth to his worldly labors ' fervent in spirit ;' resolv- 
ing through the divine aid, to be henceforth more diligent 
and exemplary in living to the glory of God, and longing 
meanwhile for that blessed time, when, ' being freed from 
the bondage of corruption,' he shall be enabled to' render 
to his heavenly Benefactor more pure and acceptable ser- 
vice. 

Exquisite Sensihiliiy — School of Rosseau and Sterne, — 
After having discussed so much at large the whole ques- 
tion concerning amiable tempers in general, it may be 
scarcely necessary to dwell upon that particular class of them 
which belongs to the head of generous emotions, or of ex- 
quisite sensibility. To these almost all that has been said 
above is strictly applicable ; to which it may be added, that 
the persons in whom the latter qualities most abound, are 
often far from conducing to the peace and comfort of their 
nearest connexions. These qualities indeed may be ren- 
dered highly useful instruments, when enlisted into the service 
of religion. But we ought to except against them the more 
strongly when not under her control ; because there is still 
greater danger than in the former case, that persons ia 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 2lB 

whom they abound, may be flattered into a false opinion of 
themselves by the excessive commendations often paid to 
them by others, and by the beguiling complacencies of their 
own minds, which are apt to be puffed up with a proud, 
though secret, consciousness of their own superior acuteness 
and sensibility. But it is ihe less requisite to enlarge on 
this topic, because it has been well discussed by many who 
have unfolded the real nature of those fascinating qualities ; 
who have well remarked, that, though showy and apt to 
catch the eye, they are of a flimsy and perishable fabric, and 
not of that substantial and durable texture, which, while it 
imparts permanent warmth and comfort, will long preserve 
its more sober honors, and stand the wear and tear of life, 
and the vicissitudes of seasons. It has been shown, that 
these qualities often fail us when most we want their aid ; 
that their possessors can solace themselves with their imagi- 
nary exertions in behalf of ideal misery, and yet shrink from 
the labors of active benevolence, or retire with disgust from 
the homely forms of real poverty and wretchedness. In 
fine, the superiority of true Christian charity, and of plain 
practical beneficence, has been ably vindicated ; and the 
school of Rosseau has been forced to yield to the school of 
Christ, when the question has been concerning the best 
means of promoting the comfort of family life, or the tempo- 
ral well-being of society."^ 



* While all are worthy of blame, who to qualities like these have 
assigned a more exalted place than to religious and moral principle ; 
there is one writer who, eminently culpable in this respect, deserves 
on another account, still severer reprehension. Really possessed of 
powers to explore and touch the finest strings of the human heart, 
and bound by his sacred profession to devote those powers to the 
service of religion and virtue, he every where discovers a studious 
solicitude to excite indecent ideas. We turn away our eyes with 
disgust from open immodesty : but even this is less mischievous 
than that more measured style, which excites impure images without 
shocking us by the grossness of the language. Never was delicate 
sensibility proved to be more distinct from plain practical benevo- 
lence, than in the writings of the author to whom I allude. Instead 
of employing his talents for the benefit of his fellow-creatures, they 
were applied to the pernicious purposes of corrupting the national 
taste, and of lowering the standard of manners and morals. The 
tendency of his writings is to vitiate that purity of mind, intended 
by Providence as the companion and preservative of youthful virtue; 
and to produce, if the expression may be permitted, a morbid sensi- 
bility in the perception of indecency. An imagination exercised in 
this discipline is never clean, but seeks for and discovers something 
indelicate in the most common phrases and actions of ordinary life. 



216 PRACTICAL VIEW 



Sect. V. 



Some other grand defects in the practical system of the bidk 
of nominal Chrisiians. 

In the imperfect sketch which has been drawn of the re- 
ligion of the bulk of nominal Christians, their fundamental 
error respecting the essential nature of Christianity has been 
discussed, and traced into some of its many mischievous 
consequences. Several of their particular misconceptions 
and allowed defects have also been pointed out and illus- 
trated. It may not be improper to close the survey by no- 
ticing some others, for the existence of which we may now 
appeal to almost every part of the preceding delineation. 

Inadequate ideas of the guilt and evil of Sin. — In the first 
place, then, there appears throughout, both in the principles 
and allowed conduct of the bulk of nominal Chrisiians, a 
most inadequate idea of the guilt and evil of sin. We every 
where find reason to remark, that religion is suffered to 
dwindle away into a mere matter of police. Hence the 
guilt of actions is estimated, not by the proportion in which, 
according to Scripture, they are offensive to God, but by that 
in which they are injurious to society. Murder, theft, fraud 
in all its shapes, and some species of lying, are manifestly, 
and in an eminent degree, injurious to social happiness. 
How different accordingly, in the moral scale, is the place 
they hold, from that which is assigned to idolatry, to general 
irreligion, to swearing, drinking, fornication, lasciviousness, 
sensuality, excessive dissipation ; and, in particular circum- 
stances, to pride, wrath, malice, and revenge ! 

Indeed, several of the above-mentioned vices are held to 
be grossly criminal in the lower ranks, because manifestly 
ruinous to their temporal interests : but in the higher, they 
are represented as ' losing half their evil by losing all their 
grossness,' as flowing naturally from great prosperity, from 
the excess of gaiety and good humor ; and they are accord- 

If the general style of writing and conversation were to be formed 
on that model, to which Sterne used his utmost endeavors to con- 
ciliate the minds of men, there is no estimating the effects which 
would soon be produced on the manners and morals of the age. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 217 

dingly ' regarded with but a small degree of disapprobation, 
and censured very slightly, or not at all.''*' — ' Non meus hie 
sermo est.' These are the remarks of authors, who have sur- 
veyed the stage of human life with more than ordinary ob- 
servation ; one of whom, in particular, cannot be suspected of 
having been misled by religious prejudices, to form a judg- 
ment of the superior orders too unfavorable and severe. 

Will these positions however be denied? Will it be main- 
V tained that there is not the difference already stated, in the 
moral estimation of these different classes of vices ? Will it 
be said, that the one class is indeed more generally restrained, 
and more severely punished, by human laws, because more 
properly cognizable by human judicatures, and more directly 
at war with the well-being of society ; but that, when 
brought before the tribunal of internal opinion, they are con- 
demned with equal rigor ? 

Facts may be denied, and charges laughed out of counte- 
nance ; but where the general sentiment and feeling of man- 
kind are in question, our common language is often the 
clearest and most impartial witness ; and the conclusions 
thus furnished are not to be parried by wit, or eluded by 
sophistry. In the present case, our ordinary modes of 
speech furnish sufficient matter for the determination of the 
argument ; and abundantly prove our disposition to consider, 
as matters of small account, such sins as are not held to be 
injurious to the community. We invent for them diminutive 
and qualifying terms, which, if not, as in the common uses of 
language,f to be admitted as signs of approbation and good- 
will, must at least be confessed to be proofs of our tendency 
to regard them with palliation and indulgence. Free-thinking, 
gallantry, jollity,J and a thousand similar phrases, might be 
adduced as instances. But it is worthy of remark, that no 
such soft and qualifying terms are in use, for expressing the 
smaller degrees of theft, or fraud, or forgery, or any other of 
those offences, which are committed by men against their 
fellow-creatures, and in the suppression of which we are 
interested by our regard to our temporal concerns. 

The charge which we are urging is indeed undeniable. 

* Vide Smith on the Wealth of Nations, Vol. III. 

t Vide the Grammarians and Dialecticians on the Diminutives of 
the Italian and other languages. 

I Many more might he added, such as, a good fellow/a good com- 
panion, a libertine, a little free, a little loose in talk, wild, gay, 
jovial, being ,no man's enemy but his own, &c. &c. &c., above all^ 
having a good heart, 

19 



218 PRACTICAL VIEW 

In the case of any question of honor or of moral honesty, 
we are sagacious in discerning, and inexorable in judging 
the offence. No allowance is made for the suddenness of 
surprise, or the strength of temptations. One single failure 
is presumed to imply the absence of the moral or honorable 
principle. The memory is retentive on these occasions, 
and the man's character is blasted for life. Here even the 
mere suspicion of having once offended can scarcely be got 
over: 'There is an awkward story about that man, which 
must be explained before he and I can become acquainted.' 
But in the case of sins against God, there is no such watch- 
ful jealousy, none of this rigorous logic. A man may go on 
in the frequent commission of known sins, yet no such in- 
ference is drawn respecting the absence of the rehgious 
principle. On the contrary, we say of him, that ' though 
his conduct be a little incorrect, his principles are untouched ;' 
— that he has a good heart : and such a man may go quietly 
through life, with the titles of a mighty worthy creature, and 
a very good Christian. 

But, in the word of God, actions are estimated by a far 
less accommodating standard. There we read of no Utile 
sins. Much of our Saviour's sermon on the mount, which 
many of the class we are condemning affect highly to ad- 
mire, is expressly pointed against so dangerous a misconcep- 
tion. There^ no such distinction is made between the rich 
and the poor. No notices are to be traced of one scale of 
morals for the higher, and of another for the lower classes 
of society. Nay, the former are expressly guarded against 
any such vain imagination ; and are distinctly warned, that 
their condition in life is the more dangerous, because 
of the more abundant temptations to which it exposes them. 
Idolatry, fornication, lasciviousness, drunkenness, re veilings, 
inordinate affection, are, by the apostle, likewise classed with 
theft and murder, and with what we hold in even still greater 
abomination ; and concerning them all it is pronounced alike, 
that ' they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom 
of God.'* 

Inadequate fern' of God. — In truth, the instance which we 
have lately specified, of the loose system of these nominal 
Christians, betrays a fatal absence of the principle which is 
the very foundation of all religion. Their slight notions of 
the guilt and evil of sin, discover an utter want of all suitable 
reverence for the uivine Majesty, This principle is justly 

+ Gal. V. 19—21. CoL iii. 5—9. 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 219 

termed in Scripture, ' the beginning of wisdom ;' and there 
is perhaps no one quahty which it is so much the studious 
endeavor of the sacred writers to impress upon the human 
heart.* 

Sin is considered in Scripture as rebelHon against the 
sovereignty of God, and every different act of it equally vio- 
lates his law, and, if persevejed in, disclaims his suprema- 
cy. To the inconsiderate and the gay, this doctrine may 
seem harsh, while, vainly fluttering in the sunshine of worldly 
prosperity, they lull themselves into a fond security. 'But 
the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night ; in 
the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and 
the elements shall melt with fervent heat ; the earth also, 
and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up.' — ' See- 
ing then, that all these things shall be dissolved, what man- 
ner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and 
godliness V'\ We are but an atom in the universe. Worlds 
upon worlds surround us, all probably full of intelligent 
creatures, to whom, now or hereafter, we may be a specta- 
cle, and afford an example of the divine procedure. Who 
then shall take upon him to pronounce what might be the 
issue, if sin were suffered to pass unpunished in one corner 
of this universal empire ? Who shall say what confusion 
might be the consequence, what disorder it might spread 
through the creation of God 1 Be this however as it may, 
the . language of Scripture is clear and decisive ; — ' The 
wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the people that for- 
get God.' 

It should be carefully observed too, that these awful de- 
nunciations of the future punishment of sin derive additional 
weight from this consideration, that they are represented, not 
merely as a judicial sentence, which, without violence to 
the settled order of things, might be remitted through the 
mere mercy of our Almighty Governor, but as arising out of 
the established course of nature ; as happening in the way 
of natural consequence, just as a cause is necessarily con- 
nected with its effect ; and as resulting from certain connex- 
ions and relations, which rendered them suitable and becom- 
ing. It is stated, that the kingdom of God and the kingdom 
of Satan are both set up in the world, and that to the one or 
the other of these we must belong. ' The righteous have 
passed from death unto life,' — 'they are delivered from 



* Job, xxviii. 28. Psalm cxi. 10. Prov. i. 7. — ix. 10. 
t 2 Peter, iii. 10, U. 



220 PRACTICAL VIEW 

the power of darkness, and are translated into the kingdom 
of God's dear Son.'* They are become ' the children,' and 
' the subjects of God,' while on earth ; they love his day, 
his service, his people ; they ' speak good of his nanne ;' 
they abound in his works. Even here they are in some de- 
gree possessed of his image ; by and by it shall be perfected ; 
they shall awake up after his ^'likeness,' and being* heirs 
of eternal life, they shall receive ' an inheritance incor- 
ruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away.' 

Of sinners, on the other hand, it is declared, that ' they 
are of their father the devil ;' while on earth, they are styled 
' his children,' ' his servants ;' they are said * to do his works,' 
* to hold to his side,' to be 'subjects of his kingdom ;' at length 
' they shall partake his portion,' when the merciful Saviour 
shall be changed into an avenging Judge, and shall pronounce 
that dreadful sentence, ' Depart from me, ye cursed, into 
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.' 

Is it possible, that these declarations should not strike ter- 
ror, or at least excite serious and fearful apprehension, in the 
lightest and most inconsiderate mind ? But the imaginations 
of men are fatally prone to suggest to them fallacious hopes 
in the very face of these positive declarations. * We can- 
not persuade ourselves that God will in fact prove so severe.' 
It was the very delusion to which our first parents listened: 
' Ye shall not surely die.' 

Let me ask these rash men, who are thus disposed to trifle 
with their immortal interests, had they lived in the antedilu- 
vian world, would they have conceived it possible that God 
would then execute his predicted threatening ? Yet the 
event took place at the appointed time ; the flood came and 
swept them all away : and this awful instance of the anger 
of God against sin is related in the inspired writings for our 
instruction. Still more to rouse us to attention, the record 
is impressed in indelible characters on the solid substance of 
the very globe we inhabit ; which thus, in every country 
upon earth, furnishes practical attestations to the truth 
of the sacred writings, and to the actual accomplish- 
ment of their awful predictions. For myself I must declare, 
that I never can read, without awe, the passage in which 
our Saviour is speaking of the state of the world at the time 
of this memorable event. The wickedness of men is repre- 
sented to have been great and prevalent ; yet not, as we are 
ready to conceive, such as to interrupt the course, and 

* Col. i. 13. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 221 

shake the very frame, of society. The general face of things 
was, perhaps, not very different from that which is exhibited 
in many of the European nations. It was a selfish, a luxu- 
rious, an irreligious, and an inconsiderate world. They were 
called, but they would not hearken ; they were warned, but 
they would not believe : ' they did eat, they drank^ they mar- 
ried wives, they were given in marriage,' such is the account 
of one of the evangelists ; — in that of another, it is stated 
nearly in the same words ; * They were eating and drinking, 
marrying and given in marriage, and knew not until the flood 
came and swept them all away.' 

Inadequate sense of the difficulty of getting to Heaven,'^ 
Again we see throughout, in the system which we have 
been describing, a most inadequate conception of the diffi- 
culty of becoming true Christians ; and an utter forgetful- 
ness of its being the great business of life to secure our ad- 
mission into heaven, and to prepare our hearts for its ser- 
vice and enjoyments. The general notion appears to be, 
that, if born in a country of which Christianity is the estab- 
lished religion, we are born Christians. We do not there- 
fore look out for positive evidence of our really being of that 
number ; but, putting the onus probandi (if it may be so ex- 
pressed) on the wrong side, we conceive ourselves such of 
course^ except our title be disproved by positive evidence to 
the contrary. And we are so slow in giving ear to what con- 
science urges to us on this side ; so dexterous in justifying 
what is clearly wrong, in palliating what we cannot justify, in 
magnifying the merit of what is fairly commendable, in flatter- 
ing ourselves that our habits of vice are only occasional acts, 
and in multiplying our single acts into habits of virtue, that 
we must be bad indeed, to be compelled to give a verdict 
against ourselves. Besides, having no suspicion of our state, 
we do not set ourselves in earnest to the work of self-exami- 
nation ; but only receive, in a confused and hasty way, some 
occasional notices of our danger, when sickness, or the loss 
of a friend, or the recent commission of some act of vice of 
greater size than ordinary, has awakened in our consciences 
a more than usual degree of sensibility. 

Thus, by the generality, it is altogether forgotten, that the 
Christian has a great work to execute ; that of forming him- 
self after the pattern of his Lord and Master, through the 
operation of the Holy Spirit of God, which is promised to 
our fervent prayers and diligent endeavors. Unconscious 
of the obstacles which impede, and of the enemies which re- 
19* 



222 I»iaACTICAL VIEW 

sist their advancement ; they are naturally forgetful also of 
the ample provision which is in store, for enabling them to 
surmount the one, and to conquer the other. The Scriptural 
representations of the state of the Christian on earth, by the 
images of ' a race,' and ' a warfare ;' of its being necessary 
to rid himself of every incumbrance which might retard him in 
the one, and to furnish himself with the whole armor of God 
for being victorious in the other, are, so far as these nominal 
Christians are concerned, figures of no propriety or meaning. 
As little have they, in correspondence with the Scripture 
descriptions of the feelings and language of real Christians, 
any idea of acquiring a relish, while on earth, for the worship 
and service of heaven. If the truth must be told, their notion 
is rather a confused idea of future gratification in heaven, in 
return for having put a force upon their inclinations, and 
endured so much religion while on earth. 

But all this is only nominal Christianity, which exhibits a 
more inadequate image of her real excellences, than the 
cold copyings, by some insipid pencil, convey of the force 
and grace of nature, or of Raphael. In the language of 
Scripture, Christianity is not a geographical, but a moral 
term. It is not the being a native of a Christian country : 
it is a condition, a state ; the possession of a peculiar nature, 
with the qualities and properties which belong to it. 

Farther than this, it is a state into which we are not horn^ 
but into which we must be translated ; a nature which we 
do not inherit, but unto which we are to be created anew. 
To the undeserved grace of God, which is promised on our 
use of the appointed means, we must be indebted for the 
attainment of this nature ; and to acquire and make sure 
of it, is that ' great work of our salvation,' which we are 
commanded to ' work out with fear and trembling.' We 
are every where reminded, that this is a matter of labor and 
difficulty, requiring continual watchfulness, and unceasing 
effort, and unwearied patience. Even to the very last, 
towards the close of a long life consumed in active service, 
or in cheerful suffering, we find St. Paul himself declaring, 
that he conceived bodily self-denial and mental discipline 
to be indispensably necessary to his very safety.,. Christians, 
who are really worthy of the name, are represented as being 
*made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light ;' 
as ' waiting for the corning of our Lord Jesus Christ ;' as 
* looking for, and hastening unto, the coming of the day of 
God.' It is stated as being enough to make them happy, 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 223 

that * Christ should receive them to himself;' and the songs 
of the blessed spirits in heaven, are described to be the 
same as those in which the servants of God on earth pour 
forth their gratitude and adoration. 

Conscious, therefore, of the indispensable necessity, and 
of the arduous nature, of the service in which he is engaged, 
the true Christian sets himself to the work with vigor, and 
prosecutes it with diligence. His motto is that of the paint- 
er : ' JVullus dies sine linea.^ Fled as itwere fromflPcountry 
in which the plague is raging, he thinks it not enough just 
to pass the boundary line, but would put out of doubt his 
escape beyond the limits of infection. Prepared to meet 
with difficulties, he is not discouraged when they occur ; 
warned of his numerous adversaries, he is not alarmed on 
their approach, or unprovided for encountering them. He 
knows that the beginnings of every new course may be ex- 
pected to be rough and painful ; but he is assured that the 
paths on which he is entering will ere long seem smoother, 
and become indeed * paths of pleasantness and peace.' 

Now of the state of such an one, the expressions of Pil- 
grim and Stranger are a lively description : and all the other 
figures and images, by which Christians are represented in 
Scripture, have in his case a determinate meaning and a just 
application. There is indeed none, by which the Christian's 
state on earth is in the word of God more frequently imaged, 
or more happily illustrated, than by that of a journey : and 
it may not be amiss to pause for a while in order to survey 
it under that resemblance. The Christian is travelling on 
business through a strange country, in which he is com- 
manded to execute his work with diligence, and pursue his 
course homeward with alacrity. The fruits which he sees by 
the way-side he gathers with caution ; he drinks of the 
streams with moderation ; he is thankful when the sun shines, 
and his way is pleasant ; but if it be rough and rainy, he 
cares not much ; he is but a traveller. He is prepared for 
vicissitudes ; he knows that he must expect to meet with 
them in the stormy and uncertain climate of this world. 
But he is travelling to * a better country,' a country of un- 
clouded light and undisturbed serenity. He finds also by 
experience, that when he had the least of external comforts, 
he has always been least disposed to loiter ; and if for the 
time it be a 'little disagreeable, he can solace himself with 
the idea of his being thereby forwarded in his course. In a 
less unfavorable season, he looks round him with an eye of 
observation ; he admires what is beautiful ; he examines 



224 PRACTICAL VIEW 

what is curious ; he receives with complacency the refresh- 
ments which are set before him, and enjoys them with thank- 
fulness. Nor does he churlishly refuse to associate with 
the inhabitants of the country through which he is passing ; 
nor, so far as he may, to speak their language, and adopt 
their fashions. But he suffers not pleasure, curiosity, or 
society, to take up too much of his time ; and is still intent 
on transacting the business which he has to execute, and on 
prosecWhg the journey which he is ordered to pursue. He 
knows also that, to the very end of life, his journey will be 
through a country in which he has many enemies ; that his 
way is beset with snares ; that temptations throng around 
him, to seduce him from his course, or check his advance- 
ment in it ; that the very air disposes to drowsiness, and 
that therefore to the very last it will be requisite for him to 
be circumspect and collected. Often therefore he examines 
whereabouts he is, how he has got forward, and whether or 
not he is travelling in the right direction. Sometimes he 
seems to himself to make considerable progress ; sometimes 
he advances but slowly ; too ofen he finds reason to fear he 
has fallen backward in his course. Now he is cheered with 
hope, and gladdened by success ; now he is disquieted with 
doubts, and damped by disappointments. Thus while, to 
nominal Christians, religion is a dull, uniform thing, and 
they have no conception of the desires and disappointments, 
the hopes and fears, the joys and sorrows, which it is calcu- 
lated to bring into exercise ; in the true Christian, all is hfe 
and motion ; and his great work calls forth alternately the 
various passions of the soul. Let it not therefore be imag- 
ined, that his is a state of unenlivened toil and hardship. 
His very labors are the ' labors of love ;' if ' he has need 
of patience,' it is ' the patience of hope ;' and he is cheered 
in his work by the constant assurance of present support, 
and of final victory. Let it not be forgotten, that this is the 
very idea given us of happiness by one of the ablest exam- 
iners of the human mind ; 'a constant employment for a de- 
sirable end, with the consciousness of a continual progress.' 
So true is the Scripture declaration, that ' godliness has the 
promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to 
come.' 

Bulk of nominal Christians defective in the love of God. — 
Our review of the character of the bulk of nominal Chris- 
tians, has exhibited abundant proofs of their allowed defec- 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 225 

tiveness in that great constituent of the true Christian char- 
acter, the love of God, Many instances in proof of this 
assertion, have been incidentally pointed out, and the charge 
is in itself so obvious, that it were superfluous to spend 
much time in endeavoring to establish it. Put the question 
fairly to the test. Concerning the proper marks and evi- 
dences of affection, there can be little dispute. Let the 
most candid investigator examine the character, and con- 
duct, and language, of the persons of whom we have been 
speaking ; and he will be compelled to acknowledge, that, 
so far as love towards the Supreme Being is in question, 
these marks and evidences are no where to be met with. 
It is in itself a decisive evidence of a contrary feeling in 
those nominal Christians, that they find no pleasure in the 
service and worship of God. Their devotional acts resem- 
ble less the free-will oflTerings of a grateful heart, than that 
constrained and reluctant homage which is exacted by some 
hard master from his oppressed dependants, and paid with 
cold sullenness, and slavish apprehension. It was the very 
charge brought by God against his ungrateful people of old, 
that, while they called him Sovereign and Father, they 
withheld from him the regards which severally belong to 
those respected and endearing appellations. Thus we like- 
wise think it enough to offer to the most excellent and amia- 
ble of beings, to our supreme and unwearied Benefactor, a 
dull, artificial, heartless gratitude, of which we should be 
ashamed in the case of a fellow-creature, who had ever so 
small a claim on our regard and thankfulness ! 

It may be of infinite use to establish in our minds a strong 
and habitual sense of that first and great commandment — 
' Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with ^ all thy heart, and 
with all thy mind, and with all thy soul, and with all thy 
strength.' This passion, operative and vigorous in its very 
nature, like a master-spring, would set in motion, and main- 
tain in action, all the comphcated movements of the human 
soul. Soon also would it terminate many practical ques- 
tions concerning the allowableness of certain compliances ; 
questions which, with other similar difficulties, are often 
only the cold offspring of a spirit of reluctant submission, 
and cannot stand the encounter of this trying principle. If, 
for example, it were disputed whether or not the law of God 
were so strict as has been stated, in condemning the slight- 
est infraction of its precepts ; yet, when, from the precise 
demands of justice, the appeal shall be made to the more 



226 PRACTICAL VIEW 

generous principle of love, there would be at once an end 
of the discussion. Fear will deter from acknowledged 
crimes, and self-interest will bribe to laborious services : 
but it is the peculiar glory, and the .very characteristic of 
this more generous passion, to show itself in ten thousand 
little and undefinable acts of sedulous attention, which love 
alone can pay, and of which, when paid, love alone can esti- 
mate the value. Love outruns the deductions of reasoning ; 
it scorns the refuge of casuistry ; it requires not the slow 
process of laborious and undeniable proof, that one action 
would be injurious and offensive, or another beneficial or 
gratifying, to the object of its affection. The least hint, the 
slightest surmise, is sufficient to make it start from the for- 
mer, and fly with eagerness to the latter. 

The Stage. — I am well aware, that I am now about to 
tread on very tender ground ; but it would be an improper 
deference to the opinions and manners of the age, altogether 
to avoid it. There has been much argument concerning the 
lawfulness of theatrical amusements. "^ Let it be sufficient 
to remark, that the controversy would be short indeed, if the 
question were to be tried by this criterion of love to the Su- 
preme Being. If there were any thing of that sensibility for 
the honor of God, and of that zeal in his service, which we 
show in behalf of our earthly friends, or of our political con- 
nections, should we seek our pleasure in that place which 
the debauchee, inflamed with wine, or bent on the grati- 
fication of other licentious appetites, finds most congenial to 
his state and temper of mind ? In that place, from the neigh- 
borhood of which, (how justly termed ' a school of morals' 
might hence alone be inferred,) decorum, and modesty, and 
regularity retire, while riot and lewdness are invited to the spot, 
and invariably select it for their chosen residence ! where 
the sacred name of God is often profaned ! where sentiments 
are often heard with delight, and motions and gestures often 
applauded, which would not be tolerated in private company, 
but which may far exceed the utmost license allowed in the 
social circle, without at all transgressing the large bounds of 
theatrical decorum! where, when moral principles are in- 
culcated, they are not such as a Christian ought to cherish in 

*It is almost unnecesary to remark, that the word is to be under- 
stood in a large sense, as including the Opera, &c. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 227 

his bosom, but such as it must be his daily endeavor to ex- 
tirpate ; not those which Scripture warrants, but those which 
it condemns as false and spurious, being founded in pride and 
ambition, and the over-valuation of human favor ! where 
surely, if a Christian should trust himself at all, it would be re- 
quisite for him to prepare himself with a double portion of 
watchfulness and seriousness of mind, instead of selecting it 
as the place in which he may throw ofThis guard, and unbend 
without danger 1 The justness of this last remark, and the 
general tendency of theatrical amusements, is attested by the 
same well-instructed master in the science of human life, 
to whom we had before occasion to refer. By him they are 
recommended as the most efficacious expedient for relaxing, 
among any people, that ' preciseness and austerity of morals,' 
to use his own phrase, which, under the name of holiness, it is 
the business of Scripture to inculcate and enforce. Nor is 
this position merely theoretical. The experiment w^as tried, 
and tried successfully, in a city upon the continent,* in which 
it was wished to corrupt the simple morality of purer times. 

Let us try the question by a parallel instance. 

What judgment should we form of the warmth of that 
man's attachment to his sovereign, who, at seasons of recre- 
ation, should seek his pleasures in scenes as ill accordant 
with the principle of loyalty, as those of which we have 
been speaking are with the genius of rehgion? If for this 
purpose he were to select the place, and frequent the amuse- 
ments to which Democrats and Jacobins| should love to resort 
for entertainment, and in which they should find themselves 



* Geneva. — It is worthy of remark, that the play-houses have mul- 
tiplied extremely in Paris since the revolution ; and that last winter 
there were twenty open every night, and all crowded. It should not 
be left unobserved, and it is seriously submitted to the consideration 
of those who regard the stage as a school of morals, that the pieces 
which were best composed, best acted, and most warmly and gen- 
erally applauded, were such as abounded in touches of delicate sen- 
sibility. The people of Paris have never been imagined to be more 
susceptible, than the generaUty of mankind, of these emotions, and 
this is not the particular period when the Parisians have been com- 
monly conceived most under their influence. Vide Journal d'un 
Voya^^eur Neutre. The author of the work expresses himself as 
astonished by the phenomenon, and as unable to account for it. 

f The author is almost afraid of using the terms, lest they should 
convey an impression of party feelings, of which he wishes this book 
to exhibit no traces ; but he here means by Democrats and Jacobins, 
not persons on whom party violence fastens the epithet, but persons 
who are really and avowedly sueh. 



22S PRACTICAL VIEW 

SO much at home, as invariably to select the spot for their 
abiding habitation ; where dialogue, and song, and the intel- 
ligible language of gesticulation, should be used to convey 
ideas and sentiments, not perhaps palpably treasonable, or 
falling directly within the strict precision of any legal limits, 
but yet palpably contrary to the spirit of monarchical govern- 
ment ; which, farther, the highest authorities had recom- 
mended as sovereign specifics for cooling the warmth, and 
enlarging the narrowness, of an excessive loyalty ! What 
opinion should we form of the delicacy of that friendship, or 
of the fidelity of that love, which, in relation to their respec- 
tive objects, should exhibit the same contradictions ? 

In truth, the hard measure^ if the phrase may be pardoned, 
which we give to God ; and the very different way in which 
we allow ourselves to act, and speak, and feel, where he is 
concerned, from that which we require, or even practise, in 
the case of our fellow-creatures, is in itself the most decisive 
proof that the principle of the love of God, if not altogether 
extinct in us, is at least in the lowest possible degree of lan- 
guor. 

Practical system of nominal Christians defective in what 
regards the love of their jelloio creatures, — From examining 
the degree in which the bulk of nominal Christians are defec- 
tive in the love of God, if we proceed to inquire concerning 
the strength of their love towards their fellow-creatures, the 
writer is well aware of its being generally held, that here at least 
they may rather challenge praise than submit to censure. 
And the many beneficent institutions in which this country 
abounds, probably above every other, whether in ancient or 
modern times, may be perhaps appealed to in proof of the opin- 
ion. Much of what might have been otherwise urged in the 
discussion of this topic, has been anticipated in the inquiry 
into the grounds of this extravagant estimation, assigned to 
amiable tempers and useful lives, when unconnected with 
religious principle. What was then stated may serve in 
many cases to lower, in the present instance, the loftiness 
of the pretensions of these nominal Christians ; and we shall 
hereafter have occasion to mention Another consideration, 
of which the effect must be still further to reduce their claims. 
Meanwhile, let itsufliice to remark, that we must not rest sat- 
isfied with merely superficial appearances, if we would form 
a fair estimate of the degree of purity and vigor, in which 
the principle of good-will towards men warms the bosoms of 
the generality of professed Christians in the higher and more 



Of CHRISTIANITT. 220 

opulent classes in this country. In a highly polished state 
of society, for instance, we do not expect to find morose- 
ness ; and in an age of great profusion, though we may re- 
flect with pleasure on ihose numerous charitable institutions, 
which are justly the honor of Great Britain, we are not too 
hastily to infer a strong principle of internal benevolence, 
from liberal contributions to the relief of indigence and mis- 
ery. When these contributions, indeed, are equally abundant 
in frugal times, or from individuals personally economical, the 
source from which they originate becomes less questionable. 
But a vigorous principle of philanthropy must not be at once 
conceded, on the ground of liberal benefactions to the poor, 
in the case of one, who, by his liberality in this respect, is 
curtailed in no necessary, is abridged of no luxury, is put to 
no trouble either of thought or of action ; who, not to im- 
pute a desire of being praised for his benevolence, is injured 
in no man's estimation ; in whom also familiarity with large 
sums has produced that freedom in the expenditure of mo- 
ney, which it never fails to operate, except in minds under 
the influence of a strong principle of avarice. 

True marks of benevolence. — Our conclusion, perhaps, 
would be less favorable, but not less fair, if we were to try 
the characters in question by those surer tests, which are 
stated by the apostle to be less ambiguous marks of a real 
spirit of philanthropy. The strength of every passion is to 
be estimated by its victory over passions of an oposite nature. 
Whatjudgment then shall we form of the force of the benevo* 
lence of the age, when measured by this standard ? How 
does it stand the shock, when it comes into encounter with 
our pride, our vanity, our self-love, our self-interest, our love 
of ease or of pleasure, our ambition, our desire of worldly 
estimation] Does it make us self denying, that we may be 
liberal in relieving others 1 Does it make us persevere in do- 
ing good in spite of ingratitude ; and only pity the ignorance, 
or prejudice, or malice, which misrepresents our conduct, 
or misconstrues our motives] Does it make us forbear what 
we conceive may prove the occasion of harm to a fellow-crea 
ture, though the harm should not seem naturally, or even 
fairly, to flow from our conduct, but to be the result only of 
his own obstinacy or weakness ] Are we slow to believe 
any thing to our neighbor's disadvantage ] and, when we 
cannot but credit it, are we disposed rather to cover, and, as 
far as we justly can, to palliate, than to divulge or aggravate 
20 



230 PRACTICAL VIEW 

it? Suppose an opportunity to occur of performing a kind- 
ness to one who, from pride or vanity, should be loth to re- 
ceive, or to be known to receive, a favor from us, should we 
honestly endeavor, so far as we could with truth, to les- 
sen in his own mind and in that of others the merit of 
our good offices, and by so doing dispose him to receive them 
with diminished reluctance and a less painful weight of 
obligation ? This end, however, must be accomplished, if 
accomplished at all, not by speeches of affected disparage- 
ment, which we might easily foresee would produce the con- 
trary effect, but by a simple and fair explanation of the cir- 
cumstances which render the action in ho wise inconvenient 
to ourselves, though kindly beneficial to him. Can we, from 
motives of kindness, incur or risk the charge of being defi- 
cient in spirit, in penetration, or in foresight ? Do we tell 
another of his faults, when the communication, though proba- 
bly beneficial to him, cannot be made without embarrass- 
ment or pain to ourselves, and may probably lessen his re- 
gard for our person, or his opinion of our judgment ? Can 
we stifle a repartee which would wound another ; though 
the utterance of it would gratify our vanity, and the sup- 
pression of it may disparage our character for wit ? If any 
one advance a mistaken proposition, in an instance wherein 
the error may be mischievous to him, can we, to the preju- 
dice perhaps of our credit for discernment, forbear to con- 
tradict him in public, lest by piquing his pride we should 
only harden him in his error ? and can we reserve our coun- 
sel for some more favorable season, the ' mollia tempora 
fandi,' when it may be communicated without offence ? If 
we have recommended to any one a particular line of con- 
duct, or have pointed out the probable mischiefs of the oppo- 
site course, and if our admonitions have been neglected, are 
we really hurt when our predictions of evil are accomplished ? 
Is our love superior to envy, and jealousy, and emulation ? 
Are we acute to discern, and forward to embrace, any fair 
opportunity of promoting the interests of another ; if it be 
in a line wherein we ourselves also are moving, and in which 
we think our progress has not been proportionate to our de- 
sert ? Can we take pleasure in bringing his merits into no- 
tice, and in obviating the prejudices which may have damped 
his efforts, or in removing the obstacles which may have 
retarded his advancement? If even to this extent we should 
be able to stand the scrutiny, let it be further asked, how, 
in the case of our enemies, do we correspond with the 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 231 

Scripture representations of love 1 Are we meek under 
provocations, ready to forgive, and apt to forget injuries 1 
Can we, with sincerity, ' bless them that curse us, do good 
to the^i that hate us, and pray for them which despitefully use 
us, and persecute us 1* Do we prove to the Searcher of 
hearts a real spirit of forgiveness, by our tbrbearing, not only 
from avenging an injury when it is in our power, but even 
from telling to any one how ill we have been used ; and that, 
too, when we are not kept silent by a consciousness that we 
should lose credit by divulging the circumstance ? And, 
lastly, can we not only be content to return our enemies good 
for evil, (for this return, as has been remarked, by one of 
the greatest of uninspired authorities,* may be prompted by 
pride, and repaid by self complacency,) but, when they are 
successful or unsuccessful without our having contributed to 
their good or ill fortime, can we not only be content, but cor- 
dially rejoice in their prosperity, or sympathize with their 
distresses ? 

These are but a few specimens of the characteristic marks 
which might be stated of a true predommant benevolence ; 
yet even these may serve to convince us how far the bulk of 
nominal Christians fall short of the requisitions of Scripture, 
even in that particular which exhibits their character in the 
most favorable point of view. The truth is, we do not 
enough call to mind the exalted tone of Scripture morality ; 
and are therefore apt to value ourselves on the heights to 
which we attain, when a better acquaintance with our stan- 
dard would have convinced us of our falling far short of the 
elevation prescribed to us. It is in the very instance of the 
most difficult of the duties lately specified, the forgiveness 
and love of enemies, that our Saviour points out to our imita- 
tion the example of our Supreme Benefactor. After stating 
that, by being kind and courteous to those who, even in the 
world's opinion, had a title to our good offices and good-will, 
we should in vain set up a claim to Christian benevolence, 
he emphatically adds, ' Be ye therefore perfect, even as 
your Father which is in heaven is perfect.' 

The Stage, — We must here again resort to a topic which 
was lately touched on, that of theatrical amusements ; and 
recommend it to their advocates to consider them in connec- 



* Lord Bacon. 



232 PRACTICAL VIEW 

tion with the duty, of which we have now been exhibiting 
some of the leading characters. 

It is an undeniable fact, for the truth of which we may 
safely appeal to every age and nation, that the situation of 
the performers, particularly of those of the female sex, is re- 
markably unfavorable to the maintenance and growlh of the 
religious and moral principle, and of course highly dangerous 
to their eternal interests. Might it not then be fairly asked, 
how far, in all who confess the truth of this position, it is con- 
sistent with the sensibility of Christian benevolence, merely 
for the entertainment of an idle hour, to encourage the con- 
tinuance ofany of their fellow- creatures in such a way of life, 
and to take a part in tempting any others to enter into it ? how 
far, considering that, by their own concession, they are em- 
ploying whatever they spend in this way, in sustaining and 
advancing the cause of vice, and consequently in promoting 
misery, they are herein bestowing this share of their wealth 
in a manner agreeable to the intentions of their holy and be- 
nevolent Benefactor ? how far also they are not in this in- 
stance the rather criminal, from there being so many sources 
of innocent pleasure open to their enjoyment ? how far they 
are acting conformably to that golden principle, of doing to 
others as we would they should do to us 1 how far they har- 
monize with the spirit of the apostle's affectionate declaration, 
that he would deny himself for his whole life the most inno- 
cent indulgence, nay, what might seem almost an absolute 
necessary, rather than cause his weak fellow-Christian to 
offend ? or, lastly, how far they are influenced by the solemn 
language of our Saviour himself: ' It must needs be that of- 
fences come, but wo to that man by whom the offence 
Cometh ; it were better for him that a mill-stone were hanged 
about his neck, and that he were cast into the depths of the 
sea.'— The present instance is perhaps another example of 
our taking greater concern in the temporal, than in the spiritual, 
interest of our fellow-creatures. That man would be deemed, 
and justly deemed, of an inhuman temper, who in these days 
were to seek his amusement in the combats of gladiators 
and prize-fighters ; yet Christians appear conscious of no in- 
consistency, in finding their pleasure in spectacles maintained 
at the risk at least, if not the ruin, of the eternal happiness of 
those who perform in them ! 



OF CHRISTIANXTT* 233 



Sect. VI. 



Grand Defect — JVeglect of the peculiar Doctrines of Chris^ 

tianity. 

Grand radical defect. — But the grand radical defect in 
the practical system of these nominal Christians, is their 
forgetfulness of all the peculiar doctrines of the religion 
which they profess — the corruption of human nature — the 
atonement of the Saviour — and the sanctifying influence of 
the Holy Spirit. 

Here, then, we come again to the grand distinctionjbe- 
tween the religion of Christ and that of the bulk of nominal 
Christians in the present day. The point is of the utmost 
practical importance, ^nd we would therefore trace it into 
its actual effects. 

This eml pursued into its effects. — There are, it is to be 
apprehended, not a few, who, having been for some time 
hurried down the stream of dissipation in the indulgence of 
all their natural appetites, (except, perhaps, that they were 
restrained from very gross vice by a regard to character, or 
by the yet unsubdued voice of conscience); and who, having 
all the while, thought little, or scarcely at all, about religion, 
(* living,^ to use the emphatic language of Scripture, ' without 
God in the world,') become at length in somedegreeimpressed 
with a sense of the infinite importance of religion. A fit of 
sickness, perhaps, or the loss of some friend, or much-loved 
relative, or some other stroke of adverse fortune, damps their 
spirits, awakens them to a practical conviction of the preca- 
riousness of all human things, and turns them to seek for 
some more stable foundation of happiness than this world 
can afford. Looking into themselves ever so little, they 
become sensible that they must have offended God. They 
resolve accordingly to set about the work of reformation. — 
Here it is that we shall recognize the fatal effects of the pre- 
vailing ignorance of the real nature of Christianity, and the 
general forgetfulness of its grand peculiarities. These men 
wish to reform, but they know neither the real nature of 
their disease, nor its true remedy. They are aware, indeed, 
that they must ' cease to do evil, and learn to do well ;' that 
they must relinquish their habits of vice, and attend more or 
20* 



234 f JiACTlCAL View 

less to the duties of religion ; but^ having no conception of 
the actual malignity of the disease under which they labor, or 
of the perfect cure which the Gospel has provided for it, or 
of the manner in which that cure is to be effected, — 

* They do but skin and film the ulcerous place, 
While rank corruption, mining all Avithin, 
Infects unseen.' 

It often happens, therefore, but too naturally in this case, 
that where they do not soon desist from their attempt at 
reformation, and relapse into their old habits of sin, they 
take up with a partial and scanty amendment, and fondly 
flatter themselves that it is a thorough change. They now 
conceive that they have a right to take to themselves the 
comforts of Christianity. Not being able to raise their 
practice up to their standard of right, they lower their stand- 
ard to their practice : they sit down for life contented with 
their present attainments, beguiled by the complacencies of 
their own minds, and by the favorable testimony of surround- 
ing friends ; and it often happens, particularly where there 
is any degree of strictness in formal and ceremonial observ- 
ances, that there are no people more jealous of their charac- 
ter for religion. 

Others perhaps go farther than this. The dread of the 
wrath to come has sunk deeper into their hearts ; and for a 
while they strive with all their might to resist their evil 
propensities, and to walk without stumbling in the path of 
duty. Again and again they resolve : again and again they 
break their resolutions."^ All their endeavors are foiled, 
and they become more and more convinced of their own 
moral weakness, and of the strength of their inherent corrup- 
tion. Thus groaning under the enslaving power of sin, 
and experiencing the futility of the utmost efforts which 
they can use for effecting their deliverance, they are tempted 

* If any one -would read a description of this process, enlivened 
and enforced by the powers of the most exquisite poetry, let him 
peruse the middle and latter part of the fifth Book of Cowper's Task* 
My warm attachment to the beautifully natural compositions of this 
truly Christian poet, may perhaps bias my judgment ; but the part 
of the work to which 1 refer, appears to me scarcely surpassed by 
any thing in our language. The honorable epithet of Christian may 
justly be assigned to a poet, whose writings, while they fascinate the 
reader by their manifestly coming from the heart, breathe throughout 
the spirit of that character of Christianity with which she was an- 
nounced to the world : * Glory to God, peace on earth, good-will 
towards men.' 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 235 

(sometimes it is to be feared they yield to the temptation) 
to give up all in despair, and to acquiesce in their wretch- 
ed captivity, conceiving it impossible to break their chains. 
Sometimes, probably, it even happens that they are driven 
to seek for refuge from thtir disquietude in the suggestions 
of infidelity ; and to quiet their troublesome consciences 
by arguments which they themselves scarcely believe, at 
the very moment in which they suffer themselves to be 
lulled asleep by them. In the mean time, while this conflict 
has been going on, their walk is sad and comfortless, and their 
couch is nightly watered with tears. These men are pursu- 
ing the right object, but they mistake the way in which 
it is to be obtained. The path in which they are now tread' - 
ing is not that tvhich the Gospel has provided for co7iducting 
them to true holiness, nor will they find in it any solid peace, 

Advice of modern religionisis to such as are desirous of re* 
penting, — Persons under these circumstances naturally seek 
for religious instruction. They turn over the works of our 
modern religionists, and, as well as they can, collect the advice 
addressed to men in their situation ; the substance of which 
is, at best, of this sort : ' Be sorry indeed for your sins, and 
discontinue the practice of them ; but do not make yourselves 
so uneasy. Christ died for the sins of the whole world. 
Do your utmost; discharge with fidelity the duties of your 
stations, not neglecting your religious offices ; and fear not 
but that, in the end, all will go well ; and that, having thus 
performed the conditions required on your part, you will at 
last obtain forgiveness of our merciful Creator, through the 
merits of Jesus Christ, and be aided, where your own 
strength shall be insufficient, by the assistance of his Holy 
Spirit. Meanwhile you cannot do better than read carefully 
such books of practical divinity, as will instruct you in the 
principles of a Christian life. We are excellently furnished 
with works of this nature ; and it is by the diligent study of 
them that you will gradually become a proficient in the les- 
sons of the Gospel.' 

Advice given to the same persons by the Holy Scrijjfures, 
— But the Holy Scriptures, and with them the Church of 
England, call upon those who are in the circumstances above 
stated, to lay afresh the whole foundation of their religion* 
In concurrence with the Scriptures, that Church calls 
upon them, in the first place, gratefully to adore that unde- 
served goodness which has awakened them from the sleep 
of death ; to prostrate themselves before the cross of Christ 



546 PRACTICAL VIEW 

with humble penitence and deep self-abhorrence ; solemnly 
resolving to forsake all their sins, but relying on the grace 
of God alone for power to keep their resolution. Thus, and 
thus only, she assures them that all their crimes will be blot- 
ted out, and that they will receive from above a new living 
principle of holiness. She produces from the word of God 
the ground and warrant of her counsel : * Believe in the 
Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.' — ' No man,' 
says our blessed Saviour, ' cometh unto the Father but by 
me.' — * I am the true vine. As the branch cannot bear 
fruit of itself except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, 
except ye abide in me.' — ' He that abideth in me and I in 
>him, the same bring^th forth much fruit; for without' (or 
severed from) 'me ye can do nothing.' — 'By grace ye 
are saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the 
gift of God ; not of works, lest any man should boast : for we 
are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good 
works.' 

Extreme importance of the point now under discussion. — 
Let me not be thought tedious, or be accused of running 
into needless repetitions, in pressing this point with so 
much earnestness. It is in fact a point that can never be 
too much insisted on. It is the cardinal point on which 
the whole of Christianity turns ; on which it is peculiarly 
proper in this place to be perfectly distinct. There have 
been some who have imagined that the wrath of God was to 
be deprecated, or his favor conciliated, by austerities and 
penances, or even by forms and ceremonies, and external ob- 
servances. But all men of enlightened understandings, who 
acknowledge the moral government of God, must also ac- 
knowledge, that vice must offend, and virtue delight him. 
In short they must, more or less, assent to the Scripture de- 
claration, ' Without holiness no man shall see the Lord,' 
But the grand distinction which subsists between the true 
Christian and all other religionists, (the class of persons in 
particular whom it is my object to address,) is concerning 
the nature of this holiness, and the way in which it is to 
be obtained. The views entertained by the latter of the 
nature of holiness, are of all degrees of inadequateness ; and 
they conceive it is to be obtained by their own natural 
unassisted efforts : or, if they admit some vague indistinct 
notion of the assistance of the Holy Spirit, it is unquestiona- 
bly obvious, on conversing with them, that this does not 
constitute the main practical ground of their dependence. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 237 

But the nature of that holiness which the true Christian seeks 
to possess, is no other than the restoration of the image of 
God to his soul ; and as to the manner of acquiring it, dis- 
claiming with indignation every idea of attaining it by his own 
strength, he rests altogether on the operation of God's Holy 
Spirit, which is promised to all who cordially embrace the 
Gospel. He knows, therefore, that this holiness is not to 
precede his reconciliation with God, and be its cause ; but to 
folloiv it, and be its ejfect. That, in short, it is by faith in 
Christ only* that he is to be justified in the sight of God ; to 
be delivered from the condition of a child of wrath, and a 
slave of Satan ; to be adopted into the family of God ; to be- 
come an heir of God, and a joint-heir wilti ^jurist ^^tftJ^e^O 
all the privileges which belong to this h^ relation : here, tcJ 
the spirit of Grace, and a partial renewal after the image of 
his Creator ; hereafter, to the more perfect possession of 
the divine likeness, and an inheritance of eternal glory. 

The true Christian's practical' use of^he paculiai^^doctrtnes 
of Christianity. — And as it is in this way, that, in obedience 
to the dictates of the Gospel, the true Christian must origi- 
nally become possessed of the vital spirit and living principle 
of universal holiness ; so, in order to grow in grace, he must 
also study in the same school ; finding in the consideration 
of the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel, and in the contem- 
plation of the life, and character, and suflTerings of our blessed 
Saviour, the elements of all practical wisdom, and an inex- 
haustible storehouse of instructions and motives, no other- 
wise to be so well supplied. From the neglect of these pe- 
culiar doctrines arise the main practical errors of the bulk of 
professed Christians, These gigantic truths, retained in view, 
would put to shame the littleness of their dwarfish morality. 
It would be impossible for them to make these harmonize with 
their inadequate conceptions of the wretchedness and danger 
of our natural slate, which is represented in Scripture as hav- 
ing so powerfiilly called forth the compassion of God, that he 
sent his only begotten Son to rescue us. Where now are 
their low views of the worth of the soul, when means like 
these were taken to redeem it 1 Where now their inadequate 
conceptions of the guilt of sin, for which, in the divine coun- 
sels, it seemed requisite that an atonement no less costiy 

♦ Here again let it be remarked, that faith, where genuine, is 
filways accompanied with repentance, abhorrence of sin, &c. 



// 

r ^ 



M8 PRACTICAL VIEW 

should be made, than that of the blood of the only begotten 
Son of God ? How can they reconcile their low stand- 
ard of Christian practice, with the representation of our being 
' temples of the Holy Ghost ;' their cold sense of obligation, 
and scanty grudged returns of service, with the glowing gra- 
titude of those, who, having been 'delivered from the power 
of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God's dear 
Son,' may well conceive, that the labors of a whole life will 
be but an imperfect expression of their thankfulness? 

The peculiar doctrines of the Gospel being once admitted, 
the conclusions which have now been suggested are clear and 
obvious deductions of reason. But our neglect of these ini- 
i^^nit^uib^ JR stiU less pardonable, because they are dis- 
^ ^nctly and repMleS^ applied in Scripture to the very pur- 
V poses in question; and the whole superstructure of Christian 
morals is grounded on their deep and ample basis. Some- 
^ times these truths are represented in Scripture generally, as 
\fumishiiTg Christians with a vigorous and ever-present princi- 
1^ ple^of im^\'erS^ oK^ier5^e%j and%lmost every particular 
\ Christian doty i^^ccasionally traced to them as to its proper 
source. They are every where represented as warming the 
hearts of the people of God on earth with continual admira- 
tion, and thankfulness, and love, and joy ; as enabling them 
to triumph over the attack of the last great enemy, and as 
calling forth afresh in heaven the ardent effusions of their 
unexhausted gratitude. 

If, then, we would indeed be ' filled with wisdom and 
spiritual understanding,' if we would ' walk worthy of the 
Lord unto all well-pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, 
and increasing in the knowledge of God ;' here let us fix our 
eyes ! ' Laying aside every weight, and the sin that does so 
easily beset us, let us run with patience the race that is set 
before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our 
faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the 
cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand 
of the throne of God.' 

Use of the peculiar Doctrines in enforcing the importance of 
Christianity. — Here best we may learn the infinite importance 
of Christianity ; how little it deserves to be treated in that slight 
and superficial way, in which it is in these days regarded by 
the bulk of nominal Christians, who are apt to think it enough, 
and almost equally pleasing to God, to be religious in any 
ivay, and upon any system. What exquisite folly must it 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 239 

be, to risk the soul on such a presumption, in direct opposi- 
tion to the dictates of reason, and the express declaration of 
the word of God ! * How shall we escape, if we neglect so 
great salvation V 

LOOKING UNTO JESUS! 
In enforcing the duty of an unconditional surrender ofour^ 
selves to God. — Here we shall best learn the duty and rea- 
sonableness of an absolute and unconditional surrender of 
soul and body to the will and service of God — * We are not 
our own ;' for ' we are bought with a price,' and must there- 
fore make it our grand concern to 'glorify God with our 
bodies and our spirits, which are God's.' Should we be 
base enough, even if we could do it with safety, to make 
any reserves in our returns of service to that gracious 
Saviour, who ' gave up himself for us?' If we have formerly 
talked of compounding by the performance of some com- 
mands for the breach of others, can we now bear the men- 
tion of a composition of duties, or of retaining to ourselves 
the right of practising little sins? The very suggestion of 
such an idea fills us with indignation and shame, if our heart* 
be not dead to every sense of gratitude. 

LOOKING UNTO JESUS ! 

In enforcing the guilt of sin, and the dread of its punish' 
ment. — Here we find displayed, in the most lively colors, the 
guilt of sin ; and how hateful it must be to the perfect holi- 
ness of that Being, who is of ' purer eyes than to behold ini- 
quity.' When we see that rather than sin should go unpun- 
ished, * God spared not his own Son,' but *was pleased to 
bruise him and put him to grief for our sakes ; how vainly 
must impenitent sinners flatter themselves with the hope of es- 
caping the vengeance of Heaven, and buoy themselves up with 
I know not what desperate dreams of the divine benignity ! 

Here too we may anticipate tiie dreadful suflTerings of that 
state, ' where shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth ;' 
when rather than that we should undergo them, * the Son 
of God' himself, who * thought it no robbery to be equal 
with God,' consented to take upon him our degraded na- 
ture, with all its weaknesses and infirmities ; to be * a man 
of sorrows ;' ' to hide not his face from shame and spit- 
ting ;' * to be wounded for our transgressions, and bruised 
for our iniquities ;' and at length to endure the sharpness 
of death, 'even the death of the cross;' that he might 
deliver us from the * wrath to come,' and open the king- 
dom of heaven to all believers. 



s"^ 



240 PRACTICAL VIEW 

LOOKING UNTO JESUS! 

• In promoting the love of God, — Here best we may learn to 
grow in the love of God ! The certainty of his pity and love 
towards repenting sinners, thus irre'ragably demonstrated, 
chases away the sense of tormenting fear, and best lays the 
ground in us of reciprocal affection. And while we steadily 
contemplate this wonderful transaction, and consider in its 
several relations the amazing truth, ' that God spared not his 
own Son, but delivered him up for us all ;' if our minds be 
not utterly dead to every impulse of sensibility, the emotions 
of admiration, of preference, of hope, and trust, and joy, can- 
not but spring up within us, chastened with reverential fear, 
and softened and quickened by overflowing gratitude.* Here 
we shall become animated by an abiding disposition to en- 
deavor to please our great Benefactor ; and by a humble 
persuasion, that the weakest endeavors of this nature will 
not be despised by a Being, who has already proved himself 
so kindly affected towards us.f Here we cannot fail to im- 
bibe an earnest desire of possessing his favor, and a convic- 
tion, founded on his own declarations thus unquestionably 
confirmed, that the desire shall not be disappointed. When- 
ever we are conscious that we have offended this gracious 
Being, a single thought of the great work of redemption will 
be enough to fill us with compunction. We shall feel a deep 
concern, grief mingled with indignant shame, for having con- 
ducted ourselves so unworthily towards one, who to us has 
been infinite in kindness : we shall not rest till we have rea- 
son to hope that he is reconciled to us ; and we shall watch 
over our hearts and conduct in future with a renewed jealousy, 
lest we should again offend him. To those who are ever so 
little acquainted with the nature of the human mind, it were 
superfluous to remark, that the affections and tempers which 
have been enumerated, are the infallible marks of the con- 
stituent properties of love. Let him then, who would abound 
and grow in this Christian principle, be much conversant 
with the great doctrines of the Gospel. 

In promoting the love of Christ. — It is obvious, that the 
attentive and frequent consideration of these great doctrines, 
must have a still more direct tendency to produce and cherish 

* Vide Chap. III. where these were shown to be the elementary 
principles of the passion of love, 
t Rom. y. 9, 10, 



0¥' CHRIStlANITt. S4l 

in our minds the principle of the love of Christ. But on this 
head so much was said in a former chapter, that any farther 
observations upon it are unnecessary. 

In promoting the love of our fellow -creatures, — Much also 
has been already observed concerning the love of our fellow- 
creatures ; and it has been distinctly stated to be the indis- 
pensable, and indeed the characteristic, duty of Christians. 
It remains, however, to be here farther remarked, that this 
grace can no where be cultivated with more advantage than 
at the foot of the cross. No where can our Saviour's dying 
injunction to the exercise of this virtue be recollected with 
more effect : ' This is my commandment, that ye love one 
another as I have loved you.' No where can the admonition 
of the apostle more powerfully affect us: ** Be ye kind one 
to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as 
God, for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you.' The view of 
mankind which is here presented to us, as being all involved 
in one common ruin ; and the offer of deliverance h^ld out to 
all, through the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God, are well 
calculated to produce that sympathy towards our fellow-crea- 
tures, which, by the constitution of our nature, seldom fails to 
result from the consciousness of an identity of interesta and 
a similarity of fortunes. Pity for an unthinking world as- 
sists this impression. Our enmities soften and melt away : 
we are ashamed of thinking much of the petty injuries which 
we miy have suffered, when we consider what the Son of 
God, * who did no wrong, neither was guile found in his 
mouth,' patiently endured. Our hearts become tender while 
we contemplate this signal act of loving-kindness. We grow 
desirous of imitating what we cannot but admire. A vigorous 
principle of enlarged and active charity springs up within us ; 
and we go forth with alacrity, desirous of treading in the 
steps of our blessed Master, and of manifesting our gratitude 
for his unmerited goodness, by bearing each other's burthens, 
and abounding in the disinterested labors of benevolence. 

LOOKING UNTO JESUS! 
In promoting humility. — He was meek and lowly of 
heart, and from the study o^ his character we shall best learn 
the lessons of humility. CoiKemplating the work of redemp- 
tion, we become more and more impressed with the sense of 
our natural darkness, and helplessness, and misery, from 
which it was requisite to ransom us at such a price ; more 
and more conscious, that we are utterly unworthy of all the 
amazing condescension and love which have been manifest- 
21 



248 PRACTICAL VIEW 

ed towards us : ashamed of the callousness of our tender 
sensibility, and of the poor returns of our most active ser- 
vices. Considerations like these, abating our pride, and re- 
ducing our opinions o^ ourselves, naturally moderate our pre- 
tensions towards others. We become less disposed to exact 
that respect for our persons, and that deference for our au- 
thority, which we naturally covet ; we less sensibly feel a 
slight, and less hotly resent it ; we grow less irritable, less 
prone to be dissatisfied ; more soft, and meek, and courteous, 
and placable, and condescending. We are not literally re- 
quired to practice the same humiliating submissions, to which 
our blessed Saviour himself was not ashamed to stoop ;* 
but the spirit of the remark applies to us, ' the servant is not 
greater than his Lord ;' and we should especially bear this 
truth m mind, when the occasion calls upon us to discharge 
some duty, or patiently to suffer some ill-treatment, whereby 
our pride will be wounded, and we are likely to be in some 
degree degraded from the rank we had possessed in the 
world's estimation. At the same time the Sacred Scriptures 
assuring us, that to the powerful operations of the Holy 
Spirit, purchased for us by the death of Christ, we must be 
indebted for the success of all our endeavors after improve- 
ment in virtue ; the conviction of this truth tends to render 
us diffident of our own powers, and to suppress the first 
risings of vanity. Thus, while we are conducted to heights 
of virtue, not otherwise attainable, due care is taken to pre- 
vent our becoming giddy from our elevation. f It is the 
Scripture characteristic of the Gospel system, that by it all 
disposition to exalt ourselves is excluded ; and if we really 
grow in grace, we shall grow also in humility. 

LOOKING UNTO JESUS ! 

In promoting a spirit of moderation in earthly pursuits^ and 
cheerfulness in suffering. — ' He endured the cross, des- 
pising the shame.' — While we steadily contemplate this 
solemn scene, that sober frame of spirit is produced within 
us, which best befits the Christian militant here on earth. 
We become impressed with a sense of the shortness and 
uncertainty of time, and with the necessity of being dili- 
gent in making provision for eternity. In such a temper of 

♦ John, xiii. 13 — 17. * If I then, your Lord and Master, liave 
washed your feet ; ye also ought to wash one another's feet,' &c. 

t Vide Pascal's Thoughts on Religion — a book abounding in th« 
deepest views of practical Christianity. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 349 

mind, the pomps and vanities of life are cast behind us as the 
baubles of children. We lose our relish for the frolics of 
gaiety, the race of ambition, or the grosser gratifications of 
voluptuousness. In the case even of those objects, which 
may more justly claim the attention of reasonable and immor- 
tal beinfrs ; in our family arrangements, in our plans of life, 
in our schemes of business, we become, without relinquish- 
ing the path of duty, more moderate in pursuit, and more 
indifferent about the issue. Here also we learn to correct the 
world's false estimate of things, and to * look through the 
shallowness of earthly grandeur ;' to venerate what is truly 
excellent and noble, though under a despised and degraded 
form ; and to cultivate within ourselves that true magnanimity, 
which can make us rise supeiior to the smiles or frowns of this 
world ; that dignified composure of soul which no earthly in- 
cidents can destroy or ruffle. Instead of repining at any of 
the little occasional inconveniences we may meet with in our 
passage through life, we are almost ashamed of the mul- 
tiplied cornf )rts and enjoyments of our condition, when we 
think of him, who, though ' the Lord of glory,' ' had not 
where to lay his head.' And if it be our lot to undergo 
evils of more than ordinary magnitude, we are animated un- 
der them by reflecting, that we are hereby more conformed 
to the example of our blessed Master: though we must ever 
recollect one important diff^t^rence, that the sufferings of 
Christ were voluntarily borne for our benefit, and were 
probably far more exquisitely agonizing than any which 
we are called upon to undergo. Besides, it must be a soUd 
support to us amidst all our troubles, to know, that they do 
not happen to us by chance ; that they are not even merely 
the punishment of sin ; but that they are the dispensations 
of a kind Providence, and sent on messages of mercy. — 
* The cup that our Father hath given us, shall we not drink 
it?' — * Blessed Saviour! by the bitterness of thy pains 
we may estimate the force of thy love ; we are sure of thy 
kindness and compassion ; thou wouldst not willingly call 
on us to suffer ; thou hast declared unto us, that all things 
shall finally work together for good to them that love thee ; 
and therefore, if thou so ordainest it, welcome disappoint- 
ment and poverty ; welcome sickness and piin ; welcome 
even shame, and contempt, and calumny. If this be a rough 
and thorny path, it is one in which thou hast gone before us. 
Where we see thy footsteps, we cannot repine. Meanwhile, 
thou wilt support us with the consolations of thy grace ; and 
even here thou canst more than compensate any temporal 



244 PRACTICAL VIEW 

sufferings, by the possession of that peace, which the world 
can neither give nor take away.' 

LOOKING UNTO JESUS! 
In promotino^ courage and confidence in dangers ; and 
heavenly mindfdness, — ' The Author and Finisher of our 
faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, endured 
the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right 
hand of God.' From the scene of our Saviour's weakness* 
and degradation, we follow him, in idea, into the realms of 
glory, where ' he is on the right hand of God ; angels, and 
principaHties, and powers, being made subject unto him.' — 
But, though changed in place, yet not in nature ; he is still 
full of sympathy and love ; and, having died ' to save his 
people from their sins,' * he ever liveth to make inter- 
cession for them.' Cheered by this animating view, the 
Christian's fainting spirits revive. Under the heaviest bur- 
thens, he feels his strength recruited ; and when all around 
him is dark and stormy, he can lift up an eye to heaven, 
radiant with hope, and glistening with gratitude. At such 
a season, no dangers can alarm, no opposition can move, 
no provocations can irritate. He may also adopt, as the lan- 
guage of his sober exultation, what in the philosopher was 
but an idle rant ; and, considering that it is only the gar- 
ment of mortality which is subject to the rents of fortune, 
his spirit, cheered with divine support, keeps its place 
within, secure and unassailable ; so that he can almost 
triumph at the stake or on the scaffold, and cry out, amidst 
the severest buffets of adversity, ' Thou beatest but the 
case of Anaxarchus.' But it is rarely that the Christian is 
elevated with this * joy unspeakable and full of glory ;' he 
even lends himself to these views wiih moderation and re- 
serve. Often, alas ! emotions of another kind fill him with 
grief and confusion. Conscious perhaps ot having acted 
unworthy of his high calling, and of having exposed himself 
to the just censure of a world ready enough to spy out his in- 
firmities, he seems to himself almost ' to have crucified the 
Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.' But let 
neither his joys intoxicate, nor his sorrows too much depress 
him. Let him still remember that his chief business while 
on earth is not to meditate, but to act ; that the seeds of 
moral corruption are apt to spring up within him ; and that 
it is requisite for him to watch over his own heart with in- 
cessant care : that he is to discharge with fidelity the duties 
of his particular station, and to conduct himself, according to 



6 



OP CHRISTIANITt. •*• 

his measure, after the example of his blessed Master, whose 
meat and drink it was to do the work of his heavenly Fa- 
ther: that he is diligently to cultivate the talents with 
which God has entrusted him, and assiduously to employ 
them in doing justice and showing mercy, while he guards 
against the assaults of any internal enemy. In short, he is 
to demean himself, in all the common affairs of life, like an 
accountable creature, who, in correspondence with the Scrip- 
ture character of Christians, is ' waiting for the coming of 
the Lord Jesus Christ.' Often therefore he questions him- 
self, 'Ami employing my time, my fortune, my bodily and 
mental powers, so as to be able to '' render up my account 
with joy, and not with grief?" Am I ''adorning the doctrine 
of God my Saviour in all things ;" and proving that the ser- 
vants of Christ, animated by a principle of filial affection, 
which renders their work a service of perfect freedom, are 
capable of as active and as persevering exertions, as the vo- 
taries of fame, or the slaves of ambition, or the drudges of 
avarice V 

Thus, without interruption to his labors, he may interpose 
occasional thoughts of things unseen ; and amidst the many 
little intervals of business, may calmly look upwards to the 
heavenly Advocate, who is ever pleading the cause of his 
people, and obtaining for them needful supplies of grace and 
consolation. It is these realizing views which give the 
Christian a relish for the worship and service of the heavenly 
world. And if these blessed images, ' seen but through a 
glass darkly,' can thus refresh the soul, what must be its 
state, when on the morning of the resurrection it shall awake 
to the unclouded vision of celestial glory ! Vv^hen, 'to them 
that look for him, the Son of God shall appear a second 
time without sin unto salvation 1' when ' sighing and sorrow 
being fled away,' when doubts and fears no more disquieting, 
and the painful consciousness of remaining imperfections no 
longer weighing down the spirit, they shall enter upon the 
fruition of ' those joys, which eye hath not seen, nor ear 
heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man to con- 
ceive ;' and shall bear their part in that blessed anthem, 
♦ Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and 
unto the Lamb,' for ever and ever ! 

The place held by the peculiar doctrines of Christianity 
constitutes the graiid distinction between nominal and real 
Christians. — Thus, never let it be forgotten, the main dis- 
21* 



246 PRACTICAL VIEW 

tinction between real Christianity, and the system of the 
bulk of nominal Christians, chiefly consists in the different 
place which is assigned in the two schemes to the peculiar 
doctrines of the Gospel. These, in the scheme of nominal 
Christians, if admitted at all, appear but like the stars of the 
firmament to the ordinary eye. Those splendid luminaries 
draw forth perhaps occasionally a transient expression of 
admiration, when we behold their beauty, or hear of their 
distances, maojnitudes, or properties : now and then too we 
are led, perhaps, to muse upon their possible uses ; but 
however curious as subjects of speculation, it must, after all, 
be confessed, they twinkle to the common observer with a 
vain and ' idle' lustre ; and except in the dreams of the as- 
trologer, have no influence on human happiness, or any con- 
cern with the course and order of the world. But to the 
real Christian, on the contrary, these peculiar doctrines con- 
stitute the centre to which he gravitates ! the very sun of 
his system ! the origin of all that is excellent, and lovely ! 
the source of light, and life, and motion, and genial warmth, 
and plastic energy ! Dim is the light of reason, and cold 
and comfortless our state, while left to her unassisted guid- 
ance. Even the Old Testament itself, though a revelation 
from heaven, shines but with feeble and scanty rays. But 
the blessed truths of the Gospel are now unveiled to our 
eyes, and we are called upon to behold and to enjoy * the 
light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of 
Jesus Christ,' in the full radiance of its meridian splendor. 
The words of inspiration best express our highly favored 
state : 'We all, with open face beholding as in a glass thd 
glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from 
glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.' 

Thou art the Source and centre of all minds, 
Their only point of rest, Eternal Word j 
From Thee departing, they are lost, and rove 
At random, without honor, hope, or peace : 
From Thee is all that soothes the life of man ; 
His high endeavor, and his glad success j 
His strength to suffer, and his will to serve. 
But O ! Thou Bounteous Giver of all good ! 
Thou art of all thy gifts Thyself the crown : 
Give what Thou canst, without Thee we are poor, 
And with Thee rich, take what Thou wilt away. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 247 



CHAPTER V. 



ON THE EXCELLENCE OF CHRISTIANITY IN CERTAIN 
IMPORTANT PARTICULARS. ARGUMENT WHICH RE- 
SULTS THENCE IN PROOF OF ITS DIVINE ORIGIN. 

The writer of the present work, having now completed 
a faint delineation of the leading features of real Christian- 
ity, may be permitted to suspend for a few moments the 
farther execution of his plan, for the purpose of pointing 
out some excellences which she really possesses ; but which, 
as they are not to be found in that superficial system which 
so unworthily usurps her name, appear scarcely to have at- 
tracted sufficient notice. If he should seem to be deviating 
from the plan which he proposed to himself, he would sug- 
gest as his excuse, that the observations which he is about 
to offer will furnish a strong argument in favor of the cor- 
rectness of his preceding representation of the nature and 
characters of that religion which alone deserves to be called 
Christianity. 

Consistency between the leading doctrines and practical pre- 
eepts of Chrisiianity, — It holds true, indeed, in the case of 
Christianity, as in that of all the works of God, that though 
a superficial and cursory view cannot fail to discover to us 
somewhat of their beauty; yet, when on a more careful and 
accurate scrutiny we become better acquainted with their 
properties, we become also more deeply impressed by a con- 
viction of their excellence. We may begin by referring to 
the last chapter for an instance of the truth of this assertion. 
Therein was pointed out that intimate connection, that per- 
fect harmony between the leading doctiines, and the practical 
precepts, of Christianity, which is apt to escape the attention 
of the ordinary eye. 

Between the leading doctrines of Christianity amongst each 
other. — It may not be improper also to remark, though the 
position be so obvious as almost to render the statement of it 
needless, that there is the same close connection in the lead- 
ing doctrines of Christianity with each other, and the same 
perfect harmony between them. It is self-evident, that tho 



248 PRACTICAL VIEW 

corruption of human nature, that our reconciliation to God 
by the atonement of Christ, and that the restoration of our 
primitive dignity by the sanctifying influence of the Holy 
Spirit, are all parts of one whole, united in close dependence 
and mutual congruity. 

Between the practical precepts amongst each other. — 
Perhaps, however, it has not been sufficiently noticed, that 
in the chief practical precepts of Christianity, there is the 
same essential agreement, the same mutual dependency of 
one upon another. Let us survey this fresh instance of the 
wisdom of that system, which is the only solid foundation of 
our present or future happiness. 

The virtues most strongly and repeatedly enjoined in Scrip- 
ture, and by our progress in which we may best measure our 
advancement in holiness, are the fear and love of God and of 
Christ ; love, kindness, and meekness, towards our fellow- 
creatures ; indifference to the possessions and events of this 
life, in comparison with our concern about eternal things ; 
self-denial, and humility. 

It has been already pointed out in many particulars, how^ 
essentially such of these Christian graces as respect the .Di- 
vine Being are connected with those, which have more di- 
rectly for their objects our fellow-creatures and ourselves. 
But, in the case of these two last descriptions of Christian 
graces, the more attentively we consider them with reference 
to the acknowledged principles of human nature, and to 
indisputable facts, the more we shall be convinced that 
they afford mutual aid towards the acquisition of each 
other ; and that, when acquired, they all harmonize with 
each other in perfect and essential union. This truth 
may perhaps be sufficiently apparent from what has been 
already remarked, but it may not be useless to dwell on it a 
little more in detail. Take, then, the instances of loving- 
kindness and meekness towards others ; and observe the 
solid foundation which is laid for them in self-denial, in mode- 
ration as to the good things of this life, and in humility. The 
chief causes of enmity among men are, pride and self-im- 
portance, the high opinion which men entertain of them- 
selves, and the consequent deference which they exact from 
others ; the over-valuation of worldly possessions, and of 
worldly honors, and, in consequence, a too eager competi- 
tion for them. The rough edges of one man rub against 
those of another, (if the expression may be allowed,) and 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 24St 

the friction is often such as to injure the works, and disturb 
the just arrangements and regular motions, of the social ma- 
chine. But by Christianity all these roughnesses are filed 
down ; every wheel ro'ls round smoothly in the performance 
of its appointed funcfon, and there is nothing to retard the 
several movements, or break in upon the general order. 
The religious system indeed of the bulk of nominal Chris- 
tians is satisfied with some tolerable appearances of virtue : 
and, accordingly, while it recommends love and benefi- 
cence, it tolerates pride and vanity in many cases ; it even 
countenances and commends the excessive valuation of char- 
acter ; and at least allows a man's whole soul to be absorbed 
in the pursuit of the object which he is following, be it 
what it may of personal or professional success. But 
though these latter qualities may, for the most part, fairly 
enough consist with a soft exterior, and courtly demeanor, 
they cannot so well accojd with the genuine internal prin- 
ciple of love. Some cause of discontent, some ground of 
jealousy or of envy will arise, some suspicion will corrode, 
some disappointment will sour, some slight or calumny will 
irritate and provoke reprisals. In the higher walks of life 
indeed, we learn to disguise our emotions ; but suf*h will be 
the real inward feelings of the soiil, and they will frequentlj 
betray themselves when we are off our guard, or when we 
are not likely to be disparaged by the discovery. This state 
of the higher orders, in which men are scuffling eagerly for 
the same objects, and wearing all the while such an appear- 
ance of sweetness and complacency, has often appeared to 
me to be not ill illustrated by the image of a gaming table. 
There, every man is intent only on his own profit ; the 
good success of one is the ill success of another, and there- 
fore the general state of mind of the parties engaged maj 
be pretty well conjectured. All this, however, does not 
prevent, in well-bred societies, an exterior of perfect gen- 
tleness, and good humor. But let the same employment 
be carried on among the lower orders, who are not so well 
schooled in the art of disguismg their feelings ; or in places 
where by general connivance, people are allowed to give 
vent to their real emotions ; and every passion will display 
itself, by which the ' human face divine' can be distorted 
and deformed. For those who never have been present at 
so humiliating a scene, the pencil of Hogarth has provided 
a representation of it which is scarcely exaggerated 5 and 



250 PRACTICAL VIEW 

the horrid name,* by which it is famiharly known among its 
frequenters, sufficiently attests the fidelity of its resemblance. 

But Christianity is not satisfied with producing merely 
the specious guise of virtue. She requires the substantial 
reality, which may stand the scrutinizing eye of that Being, 
* who searches the heart.' Meaning therefore that the 
Christian should live and breathe, in an atmosphere, as it 
were, of benevolence, sh'^ forbids whatever can tend to ob- 
struct its diffusion, or vitiate its purity. It is on this prin- 
ciple that emulation is forbidden : for, besides that this pas- 
sion almost insensibly degenerates into envy, and that it 
derives its origin chiefly from pride and a desire of self-ex- 
altation ; how can we easily love our neighbor as ourselves, 
if we consider him at the same time as our rival, and are 
intent upon surpassing him in the pursuit of whatever is the 
subject of our competition ? 

Christianity, again, teaches us not to set our hearts on 
earthly possessions and earthly honors ; and thereby pro- 
vides for our really loving, or even cordially forgiving, those 
who have been more successful than ourselves in the attain- 
ment of them, or who have even designedly thwarted us in 
the pursuit. ' Mind not high things,' says the apostle. 
How can he who means to attempt, in any degree, to obey 
this precept, and the many other passages of Scripture which 
speak a similar language, be irreconcilably hostile towards 
any one who may have been instrumental in his depression 1 

Christianity also teaches us not to prize human estimation 
at a very high rale ; and thereby provides for the practice of 
her injunction, to love from the heart those who, justly or 
unjustly, may have attacked our reputation, and wounded 
our character. She commands not the show, but the reali- 
ty, of meekness and gentleness ; and by thus taking away 
the aliment of anger, and the fomenters of discord, she pro- 
vides for the maintenance of peace, and the restoration of 
good temper among men, when it may have sustained a tem- 
porary interruption. 

Another excellence of Christianity ; a higher value by 
it set on moral than on intelleciual attainments, — It is 
another capital excellence of Christianity, that she values 
moral attainments at a far higher rate than intellectual ac- 
quisitions, and proposes to conduct her followers to the 

* The Hell^ so called, let it be observed, not by way of reproach, 
but familiarity, by those who frequent it. 



\ 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 251 

heights of virtue rather than of knowledge. On the contra- 
ry, most of the false religious systems which have prevailed 
in the world, have proposed to reward the labor of their 
votary, by drawing aside the veil which concealed from the 
vulgar eye their hidden mysteries, and by introducing him 
to the knowledge of their deeper and more sacred doctrines. 

This is eminently the case in the Hindoo, and in the Ma- 
hometan religion, in that of China, and for the most part, in 
the various modifications of ancient Paganism. In systems 
which proceed on this principle, it is obvious that the bulk 
of mankind can never make any great proficiency. There 
was accordingly, among the nations of antiquity, one system, 
whatever it was, for the learned, and another for the illiter- 
ate. Many of the philosophers spoke out, and professed to 
keep the lower orders in ignorance for the general good ; 
plainly suggesting, that the bulk of mankind was to be con- 
sidered as almost of an inferior species. Aristotle himself 
countenanced this opinion. An opposite mode of proceed- 
ing naturally belongs to Christianity, which without distinc- 
tion professes an equal regard for all human beings, and 
which was characterized by her first Promulgator as the mes- 
senger of 'glad tidings lo the poor.' 

But her preference of moral to intellectual excellence is 
not to be praised, only because it is congenial with her gen- 
eral character, and suitable to ihe ends which she professes 
to have in view. It is the part of true wisdom to endeavor 
to excel there, where we may realiy attain to excellence. 
This consideration might be alone sufficient to direct our ef- 
forts to the acquisition of virtue rather than of knowledge, — 
How limited is the range of the greatest human abilities ! 
how scanty the stores of the richest human knowledge! 
Those who undeniably have held the first rank both for nat- 
ural and acquired endowments, instead of thinking their 
pre-eminence a just ground of self-exaltation, have commonly 
been the most forward to confess that their views were 
bounded and their attainments moderate. Had they indeed 
been less candid, this is a discovery which we could not have 
failed to make for ourselves. Experience daily furnishes 
us with examples of weakness, and short-sightedness, and 
error, in the wisest and ihe most learned of men, which 
might serve to confound the pride of human wisdom. 

Not so in morals. — Made at first in the likeness of God, 
and still bearing about us some faint traces of our high origi- 
nal, we are ofTered by our blessed Redeemer the means of 



252 IPRACTICAL VIEW 

purifying ourselves from our corruptions, and of once more 
regainino; the image of o ir heavenly Father.* In love, the 
compendious expression for almost every virtue, in fortitude 
under all its forms, in justice, in humility, and in all the 
other graces of the Christian character, we are made capa- 
ble of attaining to heights of n al elevati )n : and, were we 
but faithful in the use of the means of grace which we en- 
joy, the operations of the Holy Spirit, prompting and aid- 
ing our diligent endeavors, would infallibly crown our la- 
bors with success, and make us partakers of a divine na- 
ture. Th:^ writer has himself known some who ^ave been 
instances of the truth of this remark. To the memory of 
oncj*, now no more, may he he permitted to offer the last tri- 
bute of respectful friendship ? His course short, but labori- 
ous, has at length terminated in a better world ; and hrs lu- 
minous track still shines in the sight, and animates the ef- 
forts of a 1 who knew h.m, and ' marshals them the way' 
to heavenly glory. Let me not bethought to undervalue 
any of the gifts of God, or of the fruits of human exertion : 
but let not these be prized beyond their proper worth. If 
one of those little industrious reptiles, to which we have 
been well sent for a lesson of diligence and foresight, were 
to pride itself upon its strength, because it could carry off a 
larger grain of wheat than any other of its fellow ants, 
should we not laugh at the vanity which could be highly 
gratified with such a contemptible pre-eminence ? And is it 
far different to the eye of reason, when man, weak, short- 
sighted man, is vain of surpassing others in knowledge, in 
which, at best, his progress must be so lirnited ; forgetting 
the true dignity of his n ture, and the path which would 
conduct him to real excellence ? 

Kxcelhnce of the practical precepts of Christianity • — The 
unparalleled value of the precepts of Christianity ought not 
to be passed over altogether unnoticed in this place, though 
it be needless to dwell on it ; since it has been often justly 
recognised and asserted, and has in some points been ably 
illustrated, and powerfully enforced, by the masterly pen of a 
late writer. It is by no means, however, the design of this 
little work to attempt to trace the various excellences of 

* Ephesians, ii. 

I The Rev. Matthew Babington, of Rothley, iu Leicestershire, 
-who died lately at Lisbon. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 258 

Christianity ; but it may not have been improper to point 
out a few pirticulars, which, in the course of investigation, 
have naturally fallen under our notice, and hitherto perhaps 
may scarcely have been enough regarded. Every such 
instance, it should always be remembered, is a fresh proof 
of Christianity being a revelation from God. 

It is still less, however, the intention of the writer, to at- 
tempt to vindicate the divine origin of our holy religion. 
This task has often been executed by far abler advocates. 
In particular, every Christian, with whatever reserves his 
commendations must be qualified, should be forward to con- 
fess his obligations on this head to the author before alluded 
to ; whose uncommon acuteness has enabled him, in a field 
already so much trodden, to discover arguments which had 
eluded the observation of all by whom he was preceded, and 
whose unequalled perspicuity puts his reader in complete 
possession of the fruits of his sagacity. Anxious, however, 
in my little measure, to contribute to the support of this great 
cause, may it be permitted me to stnte one argument which 
impresses my mind with particular force. This is, the great 
variety of the kinds of evidence which have been adduced 
in proof of Christianity, and the confirmation thereby af- 
forded of its truth: — The proof from prophecy — from mira- 
cles — from the character of Christ — from that of his apostles 
— from the nature of the doctrines of Christianity — from the 
nature and excellence of her practical precepts — from the 
accordance we have lately pointed out between the doctrinal 
and practical system of Christianity, whether considered each 
in itself or in their mutual relation to each other — from other 
species of internal evidence, afforded in the more abundance 
in proportion as the sacred records have been scrutinized 
with greater care — from the accounts of contemporary or 
nearly contemporary writers— from the impossibility of ac- 
counting on any other supposition, than that of the truth of 
Christianity, for its promulgation and early prevalence : these 
and other lines of argument have all been brought forward, 
and ably urged by different writers, in proportion as they have 
struck the minds of difterent observers more or less forcibly. 
Now, granting that some obscure and illiterate men, residing 
in a distant province of the Roman empire, had plotted to 
impose a forgery upon the world ; though some foundation 
for the imposture might, and indeed must, have been at- 
tempted to be laid ; it seems, to my understanding at least, 
morally impossible that so many diflTerent species of proofs, 
22 



254 PRACTICAL VIEW ^ 

and all so strong, should have lent their concurrent aid, and 
have united their joint force in the establishment of the false- 
hood. It may assist the reader in estimating the value of 
this argument, to consider, upon how different a footing, in 
this respect, every other religious system which was ever 
proposed to the world has stood ; and indeed, every other 
historical fact, of which the truth has been at all contested. 



CHAPTER VI. 



BRIEF INQUIRY INTO THE PRESENT STATE OF CHRIS- 
TIANITY IN THIS COUNTRY, WITH SOME OF THE CAUSES 
WHICH HAVE LED TO ITS CRITICAL CIRCUMSTANCES. 
ITS IMPORTANCE TO US AS A POLITICAL COMMUNITY 3 
AND PRACTICAL HINTS FOR WHICH THE FOREGOING 
CONSIDERATIONS GIVE OCCASION. 

It may not be altogether improper to remind the reader, 
that hitherto our discussion has been merely concerning the 
prevailing religious opinions of professed Christians : but 
now, no longer confining ourselves to persons of this de- 
scription, let us extend our inquiry, and briefly investigate the 
general state of Christianity in this country. 

The tendency of religion in general to promote the tem- 
poral welfare of political communities, is a fact which de- 
pends on principles so obvious and even undeniable, and is 
sio forcibly inculcated by the history of all ages, that there 
can be no necessity for entering into a formal proof of its 
truth. It has indeed been maintained, not merely by school- 
men and divines, but by the most celebrated philosophers, 
and moralists, and politicians, of every age. 

The peculiar excellence in this respect also of Christian- 
ity, considered independently of its truth or falsehood, has 
been recognized by writers, who, to say the least, were not 
disposed to exaggerate its merits. Either of the above pro- 
positions being admitted, the state of religion ina country at 



OP christianitt. 256 

any given period, (not to mention its connection with the 
eternal happiness of the inhabitants), immediately becomes 
a question of great political importance ; and, in particular, 
it must be material to ascertain, whether religion be in an 
advancing or a declining state ; and, if the latter be the case 
whether there be any practicable means for preventing at, 
least its farther declension. 

If the foreojoiiig representations of the state of Christianity 
among the bulk of professed Christians be not very erro- 
neous, they mny well excite serious apprehensions in the 
mind of every reader, considered merely in a political view. 
And these apprehensions would be increased, if there should 
appear reason to believe, that, for some time past, religion 
has been on the decline amongst us, and that it continues to 
decline at the present moment. 

Preliminary consideration : general tone of moral practice. 
— When it is proposed, however, to inquire into the actual 
state of religion in any country, and, in particular, to com- 
pare that state with its condition at any former period, there 
is one preliminary observation to be made, if we would not 
subject ourselves to gross error. There exists, established 
by tacit consent in every country, what may be called a 
general standard or tone of morals, varying in the same 
community at different periods, and differing at the same 
period in the different ranks of society. Whoever falls be- 
low this standard, (and, not unfrequently, whoever also rises 
above it,) offending against this general rule, suffers propor- 
tionably in the general estimation. Thus a regard for cha- 
racter, (which is commonly the governing principle among 
men,) becomes to a certain degree, though no farther, an 
incitement to morality and virtue. It follows, of course, that 
where the practice does no more than come up to the re- 
quired level, it will be no sufficient evidence of the exist- 
ence, miich less will it furnish a means of estimating the 
force, of a real internal principle of religion. Christians, 
Jews, Turks, Infidels, and Heretics, persons of ten thou- 
sand different sorts of passions and opinions, being members 
at the same time of the same community, and all conscious 
that they will be examined by this same standard, will regu- 
late their conduct accordingly, and, with no great difference, 
will all adjust themselves to the required measure. 

It must also be remarked, that the causes which tend to 
raise or to depress this standard, commonly produce their 
effects by slow and almost insensible degrees ; and that it 



256 PRACTICAL VIEW 

often continues for some time nearly the same, when the 
circumstances, by which it was fixed, have materially ahered. 
It is a truth which will hardly be contested, that Chris- 
tianity, whenever it has at all prevailed, has raised the gene- 
ral standard of morals to a height before unknown. Some 
actions, which among the ancients were scarcely held to be 
blemishes in the most excellent characters, have been justly 
considered by the laws of every Christian community as 
meriting the severest punishments. In other instances, vir- 
tues formerly rare, have become common ; and, in particu- 
lar, a merciful and courteous temper has softened the rugged 
manners, and humanized the brutal ferocity, prevalent 
among the most polished nations of the heathen world. But 
from what has been recently observed, it is manifest, that, 
so far as external appearances are concerned, these effects, 
when once produced by Christianity, are produced alike in 
those who deny, and in those who admit, her divine original ; 
I had almost said, in those who reject, and tho.se who cordially 
embrace, the doctrines of the Gospel : and these effects 
might, and probably would, remain for a while, without any 
great apparent alteration, however her spirit might languish, 
or even her authority decline. The form of the temple, as 
was once beautifully remarked, may continue, when the dii 
iutelares have left it. When, therefore, we are inquiring 
into the real state of Christianity at any period, if we would 
not be deceived in this important investigation, we must be 
so much the more careful not to take up with superficial ap- 
pearances. 

Present state of Christianity among us investigated, — It 
may perhaps help us to ascertain the advancing or declining 
state of Christianity in Great Britain at the present moment, 
and still more to discover some of the causes by which that 
state has been produced, to employ a little time in consider- 
ing, what might naturally be expected to be its actual situa- 
tion ; and what advantages or disadvantages such a religion 
might be expected to derive from the circumstances in 
which it has been placed among us, and from those in 
which it still continues. 

Experience warrants, and reason justifies and explains, 
the assertion, that persecution generally tends to quicken 
the vigor, and extend the prevalence, of the opinions which 
she would eradicate. For the peace of mankind, it 
has grown at length almost into an axiom, that ' the 
devilish engine back recoils upon herself,' Christianity cs^ 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 



257 



pecially has always thriven under persecution. At such a 
season she has no lukewarm professors ; no adherents, con* 
cerning whom it is doubtfiil to what party they belong. The 
Christian is then reminded at every turn, that his Master's 
kingdom is not of this world. When all on earth wears a 
black and threatening aspect, he looks up to heaven for con- 
solation ; he learns practically to consider himself as a pilgrim 
and stranger. He then cleaves to fundamentals, and exa- 
mines well his foundation, at the hour of death. When reli- 
gion is in a state of external quiet and prosperity, the contra- 
ry of all this naturally takes place. The soldiers of the 
church militant then forget that they are in a state of warfare. 
Their ardor slackens, their zeal languishes. Like a colony 
long settled in a strange country,* they are gradually assi- 
milated in features, and demeanor, and language, to the na- 
tive inhabitants, till at length almost every vestige of pecu- 
liarity dies away. 

If, in general, persecution and prosperity be respectively 
productive of these opposite effects, this circumstance alone 
might teach us what expectations to form concerning the 
state of Christianity in this country, where she has long been 
embodied in an establishment which is intimately blended 
with our civil institutions, and is generally and justly believed 
to have a common interest with them all — which is liberally 
(though by no means too liberally) endowed ; and (not more 
favored in wealth and dignity) has been allowed ' to exalt 
her mitred front in courts and parliaments :' an establishment, 
the offices in which are extremely numerous ; and these, 
not like the priesthood of the Jews, filled up from a particu- 
lar race, or, like that of the Hindoos, held by a separate 
caste in entailed succession ; but supplied from every class, 
and branching, by its widely extended ramifications, into 
almost every individual family in the community — an estab- 
lishment, of which the ministers are not, like the Roman 
Catholic clergy, debarred from forming matrimonial ties, but 
are allowed to unite Ihemselves, and multiply their hold- 
ings to the general mass of the community by the close bonds 
of family connection ; not lik^ some of the severer of the 
religious orders, immured in colleges and monasteries, but, 
both by law and custom, permitted to mix without restraint 
in all the intercourses of society. 

* The author must acknowledge himself indebted to Dr. Owen for 
Ihis illustration. 

22* 



258 ^PRACTICAL VIEW 

Such being the circumstances of the pastors of* the church, 
let the community in general be supposed to have been for 
some time in a rapidly improving stale of commercial pros- 
perity ; let it also be supposed to have been making no une- 
qual progress in all those arts and sciences, and literary pro- 
ductions, which have ever been the growth of a polished 
age, and are the sure marks of a highly finished condition of 
society. It is not difficult to anticipate the effects likely to 
be produced on vital religion, both in the clergy and the 
laity, by such a state of external prosperity as has been 
assigned to them respectively. And these effects would in- 
fallibly be furthered, where the country in question should 
enjoy a free constitution of government. We formerly had 
occasion to quote the remark of an accurate observer of the 
stage of human life, that a much looser system of morals 
commonly prevails among the higher, than in the middling 
and lower, orders of society. Now, in every country of 
which the middling classes are daily growing in wealth and 
consequence by the success of their commercial specula- 
tions ; and, most of all, in a country having such a constitu- 
tion as our own, where the acquisition of riches is the 
possession also of rank and power ; with the comforts and 
refinements, the vices also, of the higher orders are continually 
descending, and a mischievous uniformity of sentiments, 
and manners, and morals, gradually diffuses itself through- 
out the whole community. The multiplication of great cities 
also, and, above all, the habit, ever increasing with the in- 
creasing wealth of the country, of frequenting a splendid and 
luxurious metropolis, would powerfully tend to accelerate 
the discontinuance of the religious habits of a purer age, 
and to accomplish the substitution of a more relaxed mo- 
rality. And it must even be confessed, that the commercial 
spirit, much as we are indebted to it, is not naturally favora- 
ble to the maintenance of the religious principle in a vigorous 
and lively state. 

Causes from which the peculiarities of Christianity slide 
into disuse. — In times like these, therefore, the strict pre- 
cepts and self-denying habits of Christianity naturally 
slide into disuse, and even among the better sort of Chris- 
tians, are likely to be so far softened, as to become less 
averse to the generally prevailing disposition towards relax- 
ation and indulgence. In such prosperous circumstances, 
men, in truth, are apt to think very little about religion. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 259 

Christianity, therefore, seldom occupying the attention of the 
bulk of nominal Christians, and being scarcely at all the ob- 
ject of their study, we should expect, of course, to find them 
extremely unacquainted with its tenets. Those doctrines 
and principles indeed, which it contains in common with the 
law of the land, or which are sanctioned by the general 
standard of morals formerly described, being brought into 
continual notice and mention by the common occurrences 
of life, might continue to be recognized. But whatever she 
contains peculiar to herself, and which should not be ha- 
bitually brought into recollection by the incidents of every 
day, might be expected to be less and less thought of, till at 
length it should be almost wholly forgotten. Still more 
might this be naturally expected to become the case, if the 
peculiarities in question, should be, from their very nature, 
at war with pride, and luxury, and worldly-mindedness, the 
too general concomitants of rapidly increasing wealth : and 
this would be the more likely to happen (particularly among 
the laity) if the circumstance of their having been at any time 
abused to purposes of hypocrisy or fanaticism, should have 
prompted even some of the better disposed of the clergy 
(perhaps from well-intentioned, though erroneous motives) 
to bring them forward less frequently in their discourses on 
religion. 

When so many should thus have been straying out of the 
right path, some bold reformer might, from time to time, be 
likely to arise, who should not unjustly charge them with 
their deviation ; but, though right perhaps in the main, yet 
deviating himself also in an opposite direction, and creating 
disgust by his violence, or vulgarity, or absurdities, he might 
fail, except in a few instances, to produce the effect of recall- 
ing them from their wanderings. 

Still, however, the Divine Original of Christianity would 
not be professedly disavowed ; but, partly from a real, partly 
from a political deference for the established ftiith, but most 
of all, from men being not yet prepared to reject it as an 
imposture, so re respect would still be entertained for it. 
Some bolder spirits indeed might be expected to despise 
the cautious moderation of these timid reasoners, and to pro- 
nounce decisively, that the Bible was a forgery: while the 
generality, professing to believe it genuine, should, less 
consistently, be satisfied with remaining ignorant of its con- 
tents ; and, when pressed, should discover themselves by no 



2^60 PRACTICAL VIEW 

means to believe several of the most important particulars 
contained in it. 

When, by the operation of causes like these, any country 
has at length grown into the condition which has been here 
stated ; it is but too obvious that, in the bulk of the communi- 
ty, religion, already sunk very low, must be hastening fast to 
her entire dissolution. Causes energetic and active like 
these, though accidental hinderances may occasionally thwart 
their operation, will not ever become sluggish and unproduc- 
tive. Their effect is sure ; and the time is fast approaching, 
when Christianity will be almost as openly disavowed in the 
language, as in fact it is already supposed to have disap- 
peared from the conduct, of men ; when infidelity will be held 
to be the necessary appendage of a man of fashion, and to 
believe will be deemed the indication of a feeble mind and a 
contracted understanding. 

Something like what have been here premised are the 
conjectures which we should naturally be led to form, con- 
cerning the state of Christianity in this country, and its proba- 
ble issue, from considering her own nature, and the peculiar 
circumstances in which she has been placed. That her real 
condition differs not much from the result of this reasoning 
from probability, must, with whatever regret, be confessed by 
all who take a careful and impartial survey of the actual situa- 
tion of things among us. But our hypothetical delineation, 
if just, will have approved itself to the reader's conviction, 
as we have gone along, by suggesting its archetypes ; and 
we may therefore be spared the painful and invidious task of 
pointing out in detail, the several particulars wherein our 
statements are justified by facts. Every where we may ac- 
tually trace the effects of increasing wealth and luxury, in 
banishing one by one the habits, and new modelling the 
phraseology, of stricter times ; and in diffusing throughout the 
middle ranks those relaxed morals and dissipated manners, 
which were formerly confined to the higher classes of society. 
We meet indeed with more refinement, and with more of 
those amiable courtesies which are its proper fruits : thosa 
vices also have become less frequent, which naturally infest 
the darkness of a ruder and less polished age, and which re- 
cede on the approach of light and civilization. 

Defluxit numerus Saturnius, et grave virus 
Munditiae pepulere: 

But, on the other hand, with these grossnesses, religion 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 261 

also has declined : God is forgotten ; his providence is ex- 
ploded ; his hand is lifted up» but we see it not ; he multi- 
plies our comforts, but we arc not grateful ; he visits us with 
chastisements, but we are not contrite. The portion of the 
week set apart to the service of religion, we give up, without 
reluctance, to vanity and dissipation. And it is much if, on 
the periodical return of a day of national humiliation, we do 
not avail ourselves of ^he certainty of an interval from public 
business to secure a meeting for convivial purposes ; thus 
insulting the Majesty of Heaven, and deliberately disclaim- 
ing our being included in the solemn services of this season 
of penitence and recollection. 

Christianity reduced to a system of ethics^ and a cause as- 
signed lohich Iras especially operated in 'producing this effect* 
— But even when there is not this open and shameless dis- 
avowal of religion, few traces of it are to be found. Improv- 
ing in almost every other branch of knowledge, we have be- 
come less and less acquainted with Christianity. The pre- 
ceding chapters have pointed out, among those who believe 
themselves to be orthodox Christians, a deplorable ignorance 
of the religion they profess, an utter forgetfulness of the 
peculiar doctrines by which it is characterised, a disposition 
to regard it as a mere system of ethics, and, what might 
seem an inconsistency, at the same time a most inadequate 
idea of the nature and strictness of its practical principles. 
This declension of Christianity into a mere system of ethics, 
may partly be accounted for (as has been lately suggested) 
by considering what Christianity is, and in what circum- 
stances she has been placed in this country. But it has also 
been considerably promoted by one peculiar cause, on which, 
for many reasons, it may not be improper to dwell a little 
more particularly. 

Christianity in its best days (for the credit of our represen- 
tations we wish this to be remembered by all who object to 
our statement as austere and contracted) was such as it has 
been delineated in the present work. This was the religion 
of the most eminent reformers, of those bright ornaments of 
our country who suffered martyrdom under queen Mary ; 
of their successors in the times of Ehzabeth ; in short, of all 
the pillars of our Protestant church ; of many of its highest 
dignitaries ; of Davenant, of Jewell, of Hail, of Reynolds, of 
Beveridge, of Hooker, of Andrews, of Smith, of Leighton, 



262 PRACTICAL VIEW 

of Usher, of Hopkins, of Baxter,* and of many others of 
scarcely inferior note. In their pages the peculiar doctrines 
of Christianity were everywhere visible, and on the deep 
and solid basis of these doctrinal truths, were laid the foun- 
dations of a superstructure of morals proportionably broad 
and exalted. Of this fact, their writings, still extant, area 
decisive proof; and they who may want leisure, or oppor- 
tunity, or inclination, for the perusal of these valuable re- 
cords, may satisfy themselves of the truth of the assertion, 
that, such as we have stated it, was the Christianity of those 
times, by consultmg our Articles and Homilies, or even by 
carefully examining our excellent Liturgy. But from that 
tendency to deterioration lately noticed, these great funda- 
mental truths began to be somewhat less promnient in the 
compositions of many of the leading divines before the time 
of the civil wars. During that period, however, the peculiar 
Doctrines of Christianity were grievously abused l)y many 
of the sectaries, who were foremo^^t in the commotions of 
those unhap[)y days ; who, while they talked copiously of 
the free grace of Christ, and the operations of the Holy 

* I must here express my unfeigned and hi2:h respect for this great 
man, who, with his brethren, were so shanriefully ejected from tha 
church in 1666, in violation of the royal word, as well as of th^ clear 
principles of justice. With his controversial pieces 1 am little ac- 
quainted ; but his practical writings, in four massy folios, are a 
trersury of Christian wd-dom ; and it would be a most valuable ser- 
vice to mankind to revise them, and perhaps to abridge them, so as 
to render them more suited to the taste of modern readers. This 
has been already done in ihe case of his Dying Thoughts, a beauti' 
ful little piece, and of his Saint's Rest. His Life also, written by 
himself, and in a separate volume, contains much useful matter, and 
many valuable particulars of the history of the times of Charles I., 
Cromwell, &c. — I take the earliest opportunity which is offered me 
by the publication of a new edition of the Practical View, &c. of 
correcting an error which has been pointed out in the ' Christian 
Remembrancer' for February and March last. It was certainly in- 
correct to describe Mr. Baxter_ as a member of the church of Eng- 
land ; since though I believe he differed little, if at all from the 
English Church in matters of doctrine or principle, he urged many 
objections against her discipline and formularies, — objections, some 
of which, with all the reverence I feel for his character, I cannot but 
consider as unworthy of so great a man. I cannot ho\Yever forbear 
expressing my regret, that the writer of the * Remarks on Baxter's 
life,' in the art.cle in question, should have appeared to feel so little 
reverence for a man, of whom, notwithstanding some alloy of human 
infirmities, it may perhaps be truly affirmed, that the writings of 
few, if any, uninspired men, have been the instruments of such great 
and extensive benefit to mankind, as those of Mr. Baxter. 



OP CHRISTIANITY. 263 

Spirit, were, by their lives, an open scandal to the name of 
Christi: n.* 

Towards the close of the last century, the divines of the es- 
tablished Church (whether it arose from the obscurity of their 
own views, or from a strong impression of former abuses, 
and of the evils which had resulted from them) began to 
run into a different error. They professed to make it their 
chief object to inculcate the moral and practical precepts of 
Christianity, which they conceived to have been before too 
much neglected ; but without sufficiently maintaining, often 
even withour justly laying, the grand foundation of a sinner's 
acceptance with God, or pointing out how the practical pre- 
cepts of Christianity grow out of her peculiar doctrines, 
and are inseparably connected with them.^ By this fatal 
error, the very genius and essential .nature of Christianity 
was imperceptibly changed. She no longer retained her 
peculiar characters, or produced that appropriate frame of 
spirit by which her followers had been characterized. Facilu 
descensus. The example thus set was followed during the 
present century, and its effect was aided by various causes 
already pointed out. In addition to these it may be proper 

* Let me by no means be understood to censure all the sectaries 
without discrimmation. Many of them, and some who, by the un- 
happy circumstances of the times, became objects of notice in a polit- 
ical view, were men of ^reat erudition, deep views of religion, and 
unquestionable piety. And though the writings of the Puritans are 
prolix, and, according to the fashion of tbtir age, rendered rather 
perplexed than clear, by multiplied divisions and subdivisions^^ yet 
they are a mine of wealth, in which any one, who will submit to 
some degree of labor, will find himself well rewarded for his pains. 
In particular, the writings of Dr. Owen, Mr. Howe, and Mr. Flavel, 
well deserve this character. Of the first-mentioned author, there are 
two pieces which I would especially recommend to the reader's 
perusal ; one, on Heavenly-Mindedness, abridged by Dr. Mayo ; 
the other, on the Mortification of Sin in Believers. — While I have 
been speaking in terms of such high, and, I trust, such just eulogium 
of many of the teachers of the Church of England, this may not be 
an improper place to express the high obligations which we owe to 
the Dissenters for majiy excellent publications. Of this number are 
Dr. Evans' Sermons on the Christian Temper ; and that most useful 
book, the Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul, by Dr. Dod- 
dridge ; also his life, by Orton, and Letters ; and two volumes of Ser- 
mons, one on Regeneration, the other on the Power and Grace of 
Christ. — May the writer be permitted to embrace this opportunity of 
recommending two volumes, published separately, of Sermons, by 
the late Dr. Witherspoon, President of the College of New Jersey ? 

t Vide Section 6th, of the fourth Chapter, where we have ex- 
pressly and fully treated of this most important truth. 



264 PRACTICAL VIEW 

to mention as a cause of powerful operation, that for the 
last fifty years, the press has teemed with moral essays, 
many of them pubhshed periodically, and most extensively 
circulated ; which, being considered either as works of mere 
entertainment, or, in which at least entertainment was to be 
blended with instruction, rather than as religious pieces, were 
kept free from whatever might give them the air of sermons, 
or cause them to wear an appearance of seriousness incon- 
sistent with the idea of relaxation. But in this way the fatal 
habit of considering Christian morals as distinct from Chris- 
tian doctrines, insensibly gained strength. Thus the peculiar 
doctrines of Christianity went more and more out of sight ; 
and, as might naturally have been expected, the moral sys- 
tem itself also, being robbed of that which t-hould have sup- 
plied it with life and nutriment, began to wither and decay. 
At length, in our own days, these peculiar doctrines have 
almost altogether vanished from the view. Even in the 
greater number of our sermons, scarcely any traces of them 
are to be found. 

But the degree of neglect into which they are really fallen, 
may perhaps be rendered still more manifest by appealing 
to another criterion. There is a certain class of publications, 
of which it is the object to give us exact delineations 
of life and manners ; and when these are written by 
authors of accurate observation and deep knowledge of 
human nature, (and many such their have been in our times), 
they furnish a more faithful picture, than can be obtained in 
any other way, of the prevalent opinions and feelings of 
mankind. It must be obvious that novels are here alluded 
to. A careful perusal of the most celebrated of these pieces 
would furnish a strong confirmation of the apprehension, 
suggested from other considerations, concerning the very 
low state of religion in this country ; but they would still 
more strikingly illustrate the truth of the remark, that the 
grand peculiarities of Christianity are almost vanished from 
the view. In a sermon, although throughout the whole of it 
there may have been no traces of thei?e peculiarities, either 
directly or indirectly, the preacher closes with an ordinary 
form ; which if one were to assert tha* they were absolutely 
omitted, would immediately be alleged in contradiction of 
the assertion, and may just serve to protect them from falling 
into entire oblivion. But, in novels, the writer is not so 
tied down. In these, people of religion, and clergymen too, 
are placed in all possible situations, and the sentiments and 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 265 

language deemed suitable to the occasion are assigned to 
them. They are introduced instructing, reproving, coun- 
selling, comforting. It is often the author's intention to re- 
present them in a favorable point of view, and accordingly he 
makes them as well informed, and as good Christians, as he 
knows how. They are painted amiable, benevolent, and 
forgiving; but it is not too much to say, that if the peculiar- 
ities of Christianity had never existed, or had all been proved 
to be false, the circumstance would scarcely create the ne- 
cessity of altering a single syllable in any of the most cele- 
brated of these performances. It is striking to observe the 
difference which there is in this respect in similar works of 
Mahometan authors, wherein the characters, which they mean 
to represent in a favorable light, are drawn vastly more ob- 
servant of the peculiarities of their religion.'* 

Other bad symptoms as to the practical state of Chris- 
iiajiity, — It has also been a melancholy prognostic of the 
state to which we are progressive, that many of the most 
eminent of the literati of modern times have been professed 
unbelievers ; and that others of them have discovered such 
lukewarmness in the cause of Christ, as to treat with espe- 
cial good-will, and attention, and respect, those men, who, by 
their avowed publications, were openly assailing or insidi- 
ously undermining, the very foundations of the Christian 
hope ; considering themselves as more closely united to 
them by literature, than severed from them by the widest re- 
ligious differences.! Can it then occasion surprise, that, 

* No exceptions have fallen within my own reading, but the wri- 
tings of Richardson. 

t It is with pain that the author finds himself compelled to place so 
great a writer as Dr. Robertson in this class. But to say nothino* of 
his phlegmatic account of the Reformation ; (a subject w^hich we 
should have thought likely to excite in any one who united the char- 
acter of a Christian Divine with that of a Historian, some warmth of 
pious gratitude for the good providence of God ;) to pass over also the 
ambiguity, in which he leaves his readers as to his opinion on the 
authenticity of the Mosaic chronology, in his Disquisitions on the 
Trade of India ; his Letters to Mr Gibbon, lately published, cannot 
but excite emotions of regret and shame in every sincere Christian. 
The author hopes, that he has so far explained his sentin;ents as to 
render it almost unnecessary to remark, what, however, to prevent 
misconstruction, he must here declare, that, so far from approving, he 
mast be understood decidedly to condemn, a hot, a contentious, much 
more an abusive manner of opposing or of speaking of the assailants 
of Christianity. The apostle's direction in this respect cannot be too 

23 



266 PRACTICAL VIEW 

under all these circumstances, one of the most acute and 
most forward of the professed unbelievers* should appear to 
anticipate, as at no great distance, the more complete triumph 
of his sceptical principles ; and that another author of distin- 
guished name,| not so openly professing those infidel opin- 
ions, should declare of the writer above alluded to, whose 
great abilities had been systematically prostituted to the open 
attack of every principle of religion, both natural and reveal- 
ed, ' that he had always considered him, both in his life-time 
and since his death, as approaching as nearly to the idea of a 
perfectly wise and virtuous man, as perhaps the nature of 
human frailty will permit V 

Can there then be a doubt, whither tends the path in 
which we are travelling, and whither at length it must con- 
duct us ? If any should hesitate, let them take a lesson from 
experience. In a neighboring country, several of the 
same causes have been in action ; and they have at length 
produced their full effect ; manners corrupted, morals deprav- 
ed, dissipation predominant above all, religion discredited, 
and infidelity grown into repute and fashion,J terminating in 
the public disavowal of every religious principle which had 
been used to attract the veneration of mankind ; the repre- 
sentatives of the whole nation publicly witnessing, not only 
without horror, but without the smallest disapprobation, an 
open, unqualified denial of the very existence of God ; and at 
length, as a body, withdrawing their allegiance from the Ma- 
jesty of Heaven. 

Objection that the author^ s system is too strict ; and that if 
it were to prevail, the world could not go on, — There are 
not a few, perhaps, who may have witnessed with ap- 
prehension, and may be ready to confess with pain, the 
gradual declension of religion ; but who at the same time 
may conceive that the writer of this tract is disposed to 
carry things too far. They may even allege, that the de- 
gree of religion for which he contends is inconsistent with 

much attended to. ' The servant of the Loi'd must not strive, but be 
gentle unto all men ; apt to teach, patient ; in meekness insn*ucting 
those that oppose themselves ; if God peradventure will give them 
repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.' (2 Timothy, ii. 24,25.) 

* Mr. Hume. 

t Vide Dr. A. Smith's Letter to W. Strahan, Esq. 

J What is here stated must be acknowledged by all, be their po- 
litical opinions concerning French events what they may ,• and it 
makes no difference in the writer's view of the subject, whether the 
state of morals was or was not, quite, or nearly, as bad before the 
French revolution. 



OF CHRISTIANITF. 267 

the ordinary business of life, and with the well-being of so- 
ciety ; that if it were generally to prevail, people would be 
wholly engrossed by relgion, and all their time occupied 
by prayer and preachings Men not being sufficiently inter- 
ested in the pursuit of temporal objects, agriculture and 
commerce would decline, the arts would languish, the very 
duties of common life would be neglected ; and, in short, 
the whole machine of civil society would be obstructed, and 
speedily stopped. An opening for this charge is given by 
an ingenious writer^ alluded to in an early period of our 
work ; and is even somewhat countenanced by an author 
since referred to, from whom such a sentiment justly excites 
mere surprise. f 

The charge refuted, — In reply to this objection it might 
be urged, that though we should allow it for a moment to be 
in a considerable degree well founded, yet this admission 
would not warrant the conclusion intended to be drawn from 
it. The question would still remain, whether our represen- 
tation of what Christianity requires be agreeable to the word 
of God ] For if it be, surely it must be confessed to be a 
matter of small account to sacrifice a little worldly comfort 
and prosperity, during the short span of our existence in this 
life, in order to secure a crown of eternal glory, and the en- 
joyment of those pleasures which are at God's right hand for- 
evermore. It might be added also, that our blessed Saviour 
had plainly declared, that it would often be required of Chris- 
tians to make such a sacrifice ; and had forewarned us, that, 
in order to be able to do it with cheerfulness, whenever the 
occasion should arrive, we must habitually sit loose to all 
worldly possessions and enjoyments. And it might further 
be remarked, that though it were even admitted, that the 
general prevalence of vital Christianity should somewhat in- 
terfere with the views of national wealth and aggrandize- 
ment, yet that there is too much reason to believe that, do 
all we can, this general prevalence needs not be appre- 
hended, or to speak more justly, could not be hoped for. 
But indeed the objection on which we have now been com- 
raenfing, is not only groundless, but directly contrary to 
truth. If Christianity, such as we have represented it, were 
generally to prevail, the world, from being such at it is, 
would become a scene of general peace and prosperity ; and, 

* Soame Jenyns. | Paley's Evidences, 



268 $*RACTICAL VIEW 

abating the chances and calamities * which flesh is insepa- 
rably heir to,' would wear one uniform face of complacency 
and joy. 

On the first promulgation of Christianity, it is true, some 
of her early converts seem to have been in danger of so far 
mistaking the genius of the new religion, as to imagine, that 
in future they were to be discharged from an active atten- 
dance on their secular affairs. But the apostle most point- 
edly guarded them against so gross an error, and expressly 
and repeatedly enjoined them to perform the particular du- 
ties of their several stations with increased alacrity and 
fidelity, that they might thereby do credit to their Chris- 
tian profession. This he did, at the same time that he pre- 
scribed to them that predominant love of God and of Christ, 
that heavenly-mindedness, that comparative indifference to 
the things of this world, that earnest endeavor after growth 
in grace, and perfection in holiness, which have already been 
stated as the essential characteristics of real Christianity. 
It cannot therefore be supposed by any who allow to the 
apostle even the claim of a consistent instructor, much less 
by any w^ho admit his divine authority, that these latter pre- 
cepts are incompatible with the former. Let it be remem- 
bered, that the grand characteristic mark of the true Chris- 
tian, which has been insisted on, is his desire to please God 
in all his thoughts, and words, and actions ; to take the re- 
vealed word to be the rule of his belief and practice, to Met 
his light shine before men ;' and in all things to adorn the 
doctrine which he professes. No calling is proscribed, no 
pursuit is forbidden, no science or art is prohibited, no plea- 
sure is disallowed, provided it be such as can be reconciled 
with this principle. It must indeed be confessed, that Chris- 
tianity would not favor that vehement and inordinate ar- 
dor in the pursuit of temporal objects, which tends to the 
acquisition of immense wealth, or of widely spread renown: 
nor is it calculated to gratify the extravagant views of 
those mistaken politicians, the chief object of whose admi- 
ration, and the main scope of whose endeavors for their 
country, are, extended dominion, and commanding power, 
and unrivalled affluence, rather than those more solid ad- 
vantages of peace, and comfort, and security. These men 
would barter comfort for greatness. In their vain reveries 
they forget that a nation consists of individuals, and that true 
national prosperity is no other than the multiplication of par« 
ticular happiness. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 269 

Good effects to us as a political community ^ from the pre* 
valence of vital Christianity. — But, in fact, so far is it from 
being true that the prevalence of real religion would produce 
a stagnation in life, it would infallibly produce the very re- 
verse : a man, whatever might be his employment or pursuit, 
would be furnished with a new motive to prosecute it with 
alacrity, — a motive far more constant and vigorous than any 
which merely human prospects can supply : at the same 
time, his solicitude being not so much to succeed in what- 
ever he might be engaged in, as to act from a pure principle, 
and leave the event to God, he would not be liable to the 
same disappointments, as men who are active and laborious 
from a de-ire of worldly gain or of human estimation. Thus 
he would possess the true secret of a life at the same time 
useful and happy. Following peace also with all men, and 
looking upon them as members of the same family, entitled 
not only to the debts of justice, but to the less definite and 
more liberal claims of fraternal kindness ; he would naturally 
be respected and beloved by others, and be in himself free 
from the annoyance of those bad passions, by which they 
who are actuated by worldly principles are so commonly cor- 
roded. If any country were indeed filled with men, each 
thus diligently discharging the duties of his own station with- 
out breaking in upon the rights of others, but on the contrary 
endeavoring, so far as he might be able, to forward their views, 
and promote their happiness, all would be active and harmo- 
nious in the goodly frame of human society. There would 
be no jarrings, no discord. The whole machine of civil life 
would work without obstruction or disorder, and the course 
of its movements would be like the harmony of the spheres. 

Such would be the happy state of a truly Christian nation 
within itself. Nor would its condition with regard to foreign 
countries form a contrast to this its internal comfort. Such 
a community, on the contrary, peaceful at home, would be 
respected and beloved abroad. General integrity in all its 
dealings would inspire universal confidence ; differences be- 
tween nations commonly arise from mutual injuries, and still 
more from mutual jealousy and distrust. Of the former, 
there would be no longer any ground for complaint ; the 
latter would find nothing to attach upon. But if, in spite of 
all its justice and forbearance, the violence of some neigh- 
boring state should force it to resist an unprovoked attack, 
(for hostilities strictly defensive are those only in which it 
would be engaged,) its domestic union would double its na- 
tional force ; while the consciousness of a good cause, and 
23* 



270 PRACTICAL VIE\r 

of the general favor of heaven, would invigorate its arm, and 
inspirit its efforts. 

Position, that Christianity is hostile to patriotism, opposed, 
— It is indeed the position of an author, to whom we have 
had frequent occasion to refer, and whose love of paradox 
has not seldom led him into error, that true Christianity is 
an enemy to patriotism. If by patriotism is meant that mis- 
chievous and domineering quality which renders men ardent 
to promote, not the happiness, but the aggrandizement of 
their own country, by the oppression and conquest of every 
other; to such patriotism, so generally applauded in the 
heathen world, that religion must be indeed an enemy, whose 
foundation is justice, and whose compendious character is 
' peace and good-will towards men.' But if by patriotism 
be understood that quality which, without shutting up our 
philanthropy within the narrow bounds of a single kingdom, 
yet attaches us in particular to the country to which we be- 
long, of this true patriotism, Christianity is the "most copious 
source, and the surest preservative. The contrary opinion 
can indeed only have arisen from not considering the fullness 
and universality of our Saviour's precepts. Not like the 
puny productions of human workmanship, (which at the best 
can commonly serve but the particular purpose that they 
are specially designed to answer ;) the moral, as well as the 
physical principles established by the great Governor of the 
universe, are capable of being applied at once to ten thou- 
sand different uses ; thus, amidst infinite complication, pre- 
serving a grand simplicity, and therein bearing the unam- 
biguous stamp of their Divine Original. Thus, to specify 
one out of the numberless instances which might be addu- 
ced, the principle of gravitation, while it is subservient to 
all the mechanical purposes of common life, keeps at the 
same time the stars in their courses, and maintains the har- 
mony of worlds. 

Thus also in the case before us ; society consists of a 
number of different circles of various magnitudes and uses, 
and that circumstance, wherein the principle of patriotism 
chiefly consists, whereby the duty of patriotism is best prac- 
tised, and the happiest effects upon the general weal are 
produced, is, that it should be the desire and aim of every 
individual to fill well his own proper circle, (as a part and 
member of the whole) with a view to the production of 
general happiness. This our Saviour enjoined when he 
prescribed the duty of universal love, which is but another 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 271 

term for the most exalted patriotism. Benevolence, indeed, 
when not originating in religion, dispenses but trom a scanty 
and precarious fund ; and therefore, if it be liberal in the 
case of some objects, it is generally found to be contracted 
towards others. Men who, acting from worldly principles, 
make the greatest stir about general philanthropy or zealous 
patriotism, are often very deficient in their conduct in do- 
mestic life ; and very neglectful of the opportunities, fully 
within their reach, of promoting the comfort of those with 
whom they are immediately connected. But true Christian 
benevolence is always occupied in producing happiness to 
the utmost of its power, and according to the extent of its 
sphere, be it larger or more limited ; it contracts itself to 
the measure of the smallest ; it can expand itself to the 
amphtude of the largest. It resembles majestic rivers, 
which are poured from an unfailing and abundant source. 
Silent and peaceful in their course, they begin with dispen- 
sing beauty and comfort to every cottage by which they 
pass. In their further progress they fertilize provinces and 
enrich kingdoms. At length they pour themselves into the 
ocean ; where, changing their names but not their nature, 
they visit distant nations and other hemispheres, and spread, 
throughout the world, the expansive tide of their benefi- 
cence. 

It must be confessed, that many of the good effects, of 
which religion is productive to political societies, would be 
produced even by a false religion, which should prescribe 
good morals, and should be able to enforce its precepts by 
sufficient sanctions. Of this nature are those effects which 
depend on our calling in the aid of a Being who sees the 
heart, in order to assist the weakness, and in various ways 
to supply the inherent defects, of all human jurisprudence. 
But the superior excellence of Christianity in this respect 
must be acknowledged, both in the superiority of her moral 
code, and in the powerful motives and efficacious means 
which she furnishes for enabling us to practise it; and in the 
tendency of her doctrines to provide for the observance of 
her precepts, by producing tempers of mind which corres- 
pond with them. 

But, more than all this ; it has not perhaps been enough 
remarked, that true Christianity, from her essential nature, 
appears peculiarly and powerfully adapted to promote the 
preservation and healthfulness of political communities. 
What is in truth their grand malady? The answer is short. 
— Selfishness. This is that young disease received at the 



272 PRACTICAL VIEW 

moment of their birth, ' which grows with their growth, and 
strengthens with their strength ;' and through which they at 
length expire, if not cut off prematurely by some external 
shock or intestine convulsion. 

The disease of selfishness, indeed, assumes different 
forms in the different classes of society. In the great and 
the wealthy, it displays itself in luxury, in pomp, and pa- 
rade ; and in all the frivolities of a sickly and depraved im- 
agination, which seeks in vain its own gratification, and is 
dead to the generous and energetic pursuits of an enlarged 
heart. In the lower orders, when not motionless under 
the weight of a superincumbent despotism, it manifests it- 
self in pride, and its natural offspring, insubordination in all 
its modes. But though the external effects may vary, the 
internal principle is the same ; a disposition in each indi- 
vidual to make se//* the grand centre and end of his desires 
and enjoyments ; to over-rate his own merits and impor- 
tance, and of course to magnify his claims on others, and to 
under-rate theirs on him ; a disposition to undervalue the 
advantages, and overstate the disadvantages, of his condition 
in life. Thence spring rapacity, and venality, and sensuali- 
ty. Thence imperious nobles, and factious leaders ; thence 
also an unruly commonalty, bearing with difficulty the in- 
conveniences of a lower station, and imputing to the nature 
or administration of their government, the evils which ne- 
cessarily flow from the very constitution of our species, or 
which perhaps are chiefly the result of their own vices and 
follies. The opposite to selfishness is public spirit ; which 
may be termed, not unjustly, the grand principle of political 
vitality, the very lifers breath of states, which tends to keep 
them active and vigorous, and to carry them to greatness and 
glory. 

The tendency of public spirit, and the opposite tendency 
of selfishness, have not escaped the observation of the foun- 
ders of states, or of the writers on government; and various 
expedients have been resorted to and extolled, for cherish- 
ing the one, and for repressing the other. Sometimes a 
principle of internal agitation and dissension, resulting fron^ 
the very frame of the government, has been productive of 
the effect. Sparta flourished for more than seven hundred 
years under the civil institutions of Lycurgus ; which guard- 
ed against the selfish principle, by prohibiting commerce, 
and imposing universal poverty and hardship. The Ro- 
man commionwealth, in which public spirit was cherished 



OF CHRISTIANlTSr. 273 

and selfishness checked, by the principle of the love of glory, 
was also of long continuance. This passion naturally 
operates to produce an unbounded spirit of conquest, which, 
like the ambition of the greatest of its own heroes, was never 
satiated while any other kingdom was left to be subdued. 
The principle of political vitality, when kept alive on4y by 
means like these, merits the description once given of elo- 
quence : ' Sicut flamma, materia alitur, et motibus excitatur, 
et urendo clarescit.' But like eloquence, when no longer 
called into action by external causes, or fomented by civil 
broils, it gradually languishes. Wealth and luxury produce 
stagnation, and stagnation terminates in death. 

To provide, however, for the continuance of a state, by 
the admission of internal dissensions, or even by the chilling 
influence of poverty, seems to be in some sort sacrificing 
the end to the means. Happiness is the end for which men 
unite in civil society ; but in societies thus constituted, little 
happiness, comparatively speaking, is to be found. The 
expedient, again, of preserving a state by the spirit of con- 
quest, though even this has not wanted its admirers,* is not 
to be tolerated for a moment, when considered on principles 
of universal justice. Such a state lives, and grows, and 
thrives, by the misery of others, and becomes professedly 
the general enemy of its neighbors, and the scourge of the 
human race. All these devices are in truth but too much 
like the fabrications of man, when compared with the works 
of the Supreme Being ; clumsy, yet weak in the execution 
of their purpose, and full of contradictory principles and 
jarring movements. 

I might here enlarge with pleasure on the unrivalled ex- 
cellence, in this very view, of the constitution under which 
we live in this happy country ; and point out how, more 
perhaps than any which ever existed upon earth, it is so 
framed, as to provide at the same time for keeping up a due 
degree of public spirit, and yet for preserving unimpaired 
the quietness, and comfort, and charities of private life ; 
how it even extracts from selfishness itself many of the ad- 
vantages which, under less happily constructed forms of 

♦ See especiaUy that great historian, Ferguson, who, in his Essay 
on Civil Society, endeavors to vindicate the cause of heroism from 
the censure conveyed by the poet : 

* From Macedonia's madman to the Swede.' 



274 PRACTICAL VIEW 

government, public spirit only can supply. But such a po- 
litical discussion, however grateful to a British mind, would 
here be out of place. It is rather our business to remark, 
how much Christianity in every way sets herself in direct hos- 
tility to selfishness, the mortal distem[)er of political commu- 
nities ; and consequently, how their welfare must be insepa- 
rable from her prevalence. It might indeed be almost stated 
as the main object and chief concern of Christianity to root 
out our natural selfishness, to rectify the false standard 
which it imposes on us, and to bring us not only to a just 
estimate of ourselves, and of all around us, but to a due im- 
pression also of the various claims and obligations resulting 
from the different relations in which we stand. Benevolence, 
enlarged, vigorous, operative benevolence, is her master prin- 
ciple. Moderation in temporal pursuits and enjoyments, com- 
parative indifference to the issue of worldly projects, diligence 
in the discharge of personal and civil duties, resignation to the 
will of God, and patience under all the dispensations of his 
providence, are among her daily lessons. Humility is one 
of the essential qualities which her precepts most directly and 
strongly enjoin, and which all her various doctrines tend to 
call forth and cultivate ; and humility lays the deepest and 
surest grounds for benevolence. In whatever class or order 
of society Christianity prevails, she sets herself to rectify the 
particular faults, or, if we would speak more distinctly, to 
counteract the particular mode of selfishness to which that class 
is liable. Affluence she teaches to be liberal and beneficent ; 
authority, to bear its faculties with meekness, and to consider 
the various cares and obligations belonging to its elevated sta- 
tion as being conditions on which that station is conferred. Thus, 
softening the glare of wealth, and moderating the insolence 
of power, she renders the inequalities of the social state less 
galling to the lower orders, whom also she instructs, in their 
turn, to be diligent, humble, patient ; reminding them that 
their more lowly path has been allotted to them by the hand 
of God; that it is their part faithfully to discharge its duties, 
and contentedly to bear its inconveniences ; that the pre- 
sent state of things is very short ; that the objects about 
which worldly men conflict so eagerly, are not worth the con- 
test; that the peace of mind, which religion offers indis- 
criminately to all ranks, affords more true satisfaction than 
all the expensive pleasures which are beyond the poor man's 
reach; that in this view the poor have the advantage ; that 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 275 

if their superiors enjoy more abundant comforts, they are also 
exposed to many temptations from which the inferior classes 
are happily exempted ; that * having food and raiment, they 
should be therewith content,' since their situation in life, with 
all its evils, is better than they have deserved at the hand of 
God ; and finally, that all human distinctions will soon be 
done away, and the true followers of Christ will all, as chil- 
dren of the same Father, be alike admitted to the possession 
of the same heavenly inheritance. Such are the blessed ef- 
fects of Christianity on the temporal well-being of political 
communities. 

But vital CJmstiamty alone can produce these effects ; and, 
still more, we must either have this, or none at all, — But the 
Christianity which can produce effects like these must be 
real, not nominal ; deep, not superficial. Such therefore is 
the religion we should cultivate, if we would realize these 
pleasing speculations, and arrest the progress of political 
decay. But in the present circumstances of this country, a 
farther reason for cultivating this vital Christianity, (still con- 
sidering it merely in a political view) is, that, according to all 
human appearance, we must either have this or none : unless 
the prevalence of this be in some degree restored, we are 
likely, not only to lose all the advantages which we might 
have derived from true Christianity, but to incur all the mani- 
fold evils which would result from the absence of all religion. 

In the first place, let it be remarked, that a weakly prin- 
ciple of religion, which, in a political view, might be produc- 
tive of many advantages, though its existence may be pro- 
longed, if all external circumstances favor its continuance, 
can hardly be kept alive, when the state of things is so unfa- 
vorable to vital religion, as in our condition of society it ap- 
pears to be. Nor is it merely the ordinary effects of a state 
of wealth and prosperity to which we here allude. Much 
also may justly be apprehended from that change which has 
taken place in our general habits of thinking and feeling, con- 
cerning the systems and opinions of former times. At a less 
advanced period of society, indeed, the religion of the state 
will be generally accepted, though it be not felt in its vital 
power. It was the religion of our forefathers : with the 
bulk, it is on that account entitled to reverence ; and its 
authority is admitted without question. The establishment 
in which it subsists, pleads the same prescription, and ob- 
tains the same respect. But, in our days, things are very 
differently circumstanced. Not merely the blind prejudice 



276 PRACTICAL VIEW 

in favor of former times, but even the proper respect for 
them, and the reasonable presumption in their favor, has 
abated. Still less will the idea be endured, of upholding a 
manifest imposture, for the sake of retaining the common 
people in subjection. A system, if not supported by a real 
persuasion of its truth, will fall to the ground. Thus it not 
unfrequently happens, that in a more advanced state of soci- 
ety, a religious establishment must be indebted for its sup- 
port to that very religion which in earlier times it fostered 
and protected ; as the weakness of some aged mother is sus- 
tained, and her existence lengthened, by the tender assidui- 
ties of the child whom she had reared in the helplessness of 
infancy. So, in the present instance, unless there be rein- 
fused into the mass of our society, something of that prin- 
ciple which animated our ecclesiastical system in its earlier 
days, it is in vain for us to hope that the establishment will 
very long continue: for an establishment, the actual prin- 
ciples of whose members, and even teachers, are, for the 
most part, so extremely different from those which it pro- 
fesses, is an anomaly which will not much longer be borne. 
But in proportion as vital Christianity can be revived, in that 
same proportion the church establishment is strengthened : 
for the revival of vital Christianity is the very reinfusion 
of which we have been speaking. This is the very Chris- 
tianity on which our establishment is founded ; and that 
which her Articles, and Homilies, and Liturgy, teach 
throughout. 

But if, when the reign of prejudice, and even of honest 
prepossession, and of grateful veneration, is no more, (for 
by these almost any system may generally be supported, 
before a state, having passed the period of its maturity, is 
verging to its decline,) it be thought, that a dry, unanimated 
religion, like that which is now professed by nominal 
Christians, can hold its place, and much more that it can be 
revived among the general mass of mankind ; it may be 
affirmed, that, arguing merely on human principles, they 
know little of human nature. The kind of religion which we 
have recommended, independent of all consideration either 
of the grace that it imparts, or even of its truth, must at 
least be conceded to be that which is most of all suited to 
make an impression upon the lower orders, since it so strong- 
ly interests all the passions of the human mind. If it be 
thought that a system of ethics may regulate the conduct 
of the higher classes, such an one is altogether unsuitable 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 277 

to the lower, who must be wrought upon by their affections, 
or they will not be wrought upon at all. The ancients were 
wiser than ourselves, and never thought of governing the 
community in general by their lessons of philosophy. These 
lessons were confined to the schools of the learned ; while 
for the million, a system of religion, such as it was, was 
kept up, as alone adapted to their grosser natures. 

Appeal to experience, — If this reasoning fail to convince, 
we may safely appeal to experience. Let the Socinian and 
the moral teacher of Christianity come forth, and tell us 
what effects they have produced on the lower orders. They 
themselves will hardly deny the inefficacy of their instruc- 
tions. But, blessed be God, the religion which we recom- 
mend, has proved its correspondence with the character orig- 
inally given of Christianity, that it was calculated for the 
poor ; it has proved this, I say, by changing the whole con- 
dition of the mass of society in many of the most populous 
districts in this and other countries ; and by bringing them 
from a state of almost unexampled wickedness and barba- 
rism, to a state of sobriety, decency, industry, and, in short, 
to whatever can render men useful members of civil society. 

Political good effects from the revival of vital Christian' 
ity ; and bad ones, from its further decline, — If, indeed, 
through the blessing of Providence, a principle of true reli- 
gion should in any considerable degree gain ground, there is 
no estimating the effects on public morals, and the conse- 
quent influence on our political welfare. These effects are 
not merely negative : though it would be much, merely to 
check the further progress of a gangrene, which is eating out 
the very vitals of our social and political existence. The 
general standard of morality formerly dngpvihprl would be 
raised, it would at least be sustained and kept for a while 
from farther depression. The esteem which religious char- 
acters would personally attract, would extend to the system 
which they should hold, and to the establishment of which 
they should be members. These are all merely natural con- 
sequences. But to those who believe in a superintending 
Providence, it may be added, that the blessing of God might 
be drawn down upon our country, and the stroke of his an- 
ger be for a while suspended. 

Let us be spared the painful task of tracing, on the con- 
trary, the fatal consequences of the extinction of religion 
among us. They are indeed such as no man, who is ever so 
little interested for the welfare of his country, can contem- 
24 



278 PRACTICAL VIEW 

plate without the deepest concern. The very loss of our 
church establishment, though, as in all human institutions, 
some defects may be found in it, would in itself be attended 
with the most fatal consequences. No prudent man dares 
hastily pronounce, that its destruction might not greatly en- 
danger our civil institutions. It would not be difficult to 
prove, that the want of it would also be in the highest degree 
injurious to the cause of Christianity ; and still more, that it 
would take away what appears from experience to be one of 
the most probable means of its revival. To what a degree 
might even the avowed principles of men who are not alto- 
gether destitute of religion, decline, when our inestimable 
Liturgy should no longer remain in use ! a Liturgy justly 
inestimable, as setting before us a faithful model of the 
Christian's belief, and practice, and language ; as restraining 
us (as far as restraint is possible) from excessive deviations ; 
as furnishing us with abundant instruction when we would 
return into the right path; as affording an advantage-ground 
of no little value to such instructors as still adhere to the 
good old principles of the Church of England ; in short, as 
daily shaming us, by preserving a living representation of the 
opinions and habits of better times, like some historical re- 
cord which reproaches a degenerate posterity, by exhibiting 
the worthier deeds of their progenitors. In such a state of 
things, to what a depth public morals might sink, may be an- 
ticipated by those who consider what would then be the con- 
dition of society ; who reflect, how bad principles and vicious 
conduct mutually aid each other's operation, and how, in par- 
ticular, the former make sure the ground which the latter 
may have gained ; who remember that, in the lower orders, 
that system of honor and that responsibility of character are 
wanting, which, in the superior classes, supply in some poor 
degree the place of higher principles. It is well for the hap- 
piness of mankind, that such a community could not long 
subsist. The cement of society being no more, the state 
would soon be dissolved into individuality. 

Let it not be vainly imagined that our state of civilization 
must prevent the moral degeneracy here threatened. A 
neighboring nation has lately furnished a lamentable proof 
that superior polish and refinement may well consist with a 
very large measure of depravity. But to appeal to a still 
more decisive instance : it may be seen in the history of the 
latter years of the most celebrated of the Pagan nations, 
that the highest degrees of civilization and refinement are by 
no means inseparable from the most shocking depravity of 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 279 

morals. The fact is certain, and the obvious inference with 
regard to ourselves cannot be denied. The cause of this 
strange phenomenon (such it really appears to our view^) for 
which the natural corruption of man might hardly seem to 
account sufficiently, has been explained by an inspired writ- 
er. Speaking of the most polished nations of antiquity, he 
observes ; ' Because when they knew God, they glorified 
him not as God, and were not solicitous^ to retain him in 
their knowledge, he gave them over to a reprobate mind.' 
Let us then beware, and take warning from their example : 
let us not suffer our self-love to beguile us : let us not vainly 
persuade ourselves, that although prosperity and wealth may 
have caused us to relax a little too much in those more seri- 
ous duties which regard our Maker, yet that we shall stop 
where we are ; or, at least, that we can never sink into the 
same state of moral depravation. Doubtless we should sink 
as low, if God were to give up us also to our own imagina- 
tions. And what ground have we to think he will not ? If we 
would reason justly, we should not compare ourselves with 
the state of the heathen world when at its worst, but with 
its state at that period, when, for its forgetfulness of God 
and its ingratitude towards him, it was suffered to fall, till at 
length it reached that worst, its ultimate point of depression. 
The heathens had only reason and natural conscience to di- 
rect them: we enjoy, superadded to these, the clear light of 
Gospel revelation, and a distinct declaration of God's deal- 
ings with them, to be a lesson for our instruction. How 
then can we but believe that if we, enjoying advantages so 
much superior to theirs, are alike forgetful of our kind Ben- 
efactor, we also shall be left to ourselves 1 and if so left, 
what reason can be assigned why we should not fall into the 
same enormities ? 

Practical hints for the conduct of men in power, in the 
case of religion, suggested by the above statements, — What 
then is to be done 1 The inquiry is of the first impor- 
tance, and the general answer to it is not difficult. The 
causes and nature of the decay of religion and morals amon^ 
us sufficiently indicate the course, which, on principles cf 
sound policy, it is in the highest degree expedient for us to 
pursue. The distemper of which, as a community, we are 
sick, should be considered rather as a moral than a polit- 

* Such seems to be the just rendering of the word which our Tes- 
tament translates, * did not like to retain God in their knowledge.' 



2S0 



PRACTICAL VIEW 



ical malady. How much has this been forgotten by the 
disputants of modern times ! and accordingly, how transient 
may be expected to b^ the good effects of the best of their 
pubJications ! We should endeavor to tread back our steps. 
Every effort should be used to raise the depressed tone of 
public morals. This is a duty particularly incumbent on all 
who are in the higher walks of life ; and it is impossible not 
to acknowledge the obligations, which in this respect we owe 
as a nation, to those exalted characters, whom God, in his 
undeserved mercy to us, still suffers to continue on the throne, 
and who set their subjects a pattern of decency and modera- 
tion rarely seen in their elevated station. 

But every person of rank, and fortune, and abilities, should 
endeavor in like manner to exhibit a similar example, and 
recommend it to the imitation of the circle in which he 
moves. It has been the opinion of some well-meaning peo- 
ple, that by joining, as far as they possibly could with inno- ' 
cence, in the customs and practices of irreligious men, they 
might soften the prejudices too frequently taken up against 
religion, of its being an austere, gloomy service ; and thus 
secure a previous favorable impression against any time, 
when they might have an opportunity of explaining or en- 
forcing their sentiments. This is always a questionable, and, 
it iS to be feared, a dangerous policy. Many mischievous 
consequences necessarily resulting from it might easily be 
enumerated. But it is a policy particularly unsuitable to 
our inconsiderate and dissipated times, and to the lengths at 
which we are arrived. In these circumstances, the most 
likely means of producing the revulsion which is required, 
must be boldly to proclaim the distinction between the ad- 
herents of » God and Baal.' The expediency of this con- 
duct in our present situation is confirmed by another con- 
sideration, to which we have before had occasion to refer. 
It is this — that when men are aware that something of dif- 
ficulty is to be effected, their spirits rise to the level of the 
encounter ; they make up their minds to bear hardships and 
brave dangers, and to persevere in spite of fatigue and op- 
position : whereas in a matter which is regarded as of easy 
and ordinary operation, they are apt to slumber over their 
work, and to fail in what a small effort might have been 
sufficient to accomplish, for want of having called up the re- 
quisite degree of energy and spirit. Conformably to the 
principle which is hereby suggested, in the circumstances 
in which we are placed, the line of demarcation between 
the friends and the enemies of religion should now be made 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 281 

clear ; the separation should be broad and obvious. Let 
him, then, who wishes well to his country, no longer hesi- 
tate what course of conduct to pursue. The question now 
is not, in what liberties he might warrantably indulge him- 
self in another situation ; but, what are the restraints on 
himself which the exigencies of the present times render it 
advisable for him to impose ? Circumstanced as we now 
are, it is more than ever obvious, that the best man is the 
truest patriot. 

Nor is it only by their personal conduct, (though this 
mode will always be the most efficacious,) that men of au- 
thority and influence may promote the cause of good morals. 
Let them in their several stations encourage virtue, and dis- 
countenance vice, in others. Let them enforce the laws by 
which the wisdom of our forefathers has guarded against the 
grosser infractions of morals ; and congratulate themselves, 
that in a leading situation on the bench of justice, there is 
placed a man, who, to his honor be it spoken, is well disposed 
to assist their efforts.* Let them favor and take part in any 
plans which may be formed for the advancement of morality. 
Above all things, let them endeavor to instruct and improve 
the rising generation ; that, if it be possible, an antidote 
may be provided for the malignity of that venom which is 
storing up in a neighboring country. This has long been to 
my mind the most formidable feature of the present state of 
things in France ; where, it is to be feared, a brood of moral 
vipers, as it were, is now hatching, which, when they shall 
have attained to their mischievous maturity, will go forth to 
poison the world. But fruitless will be all attempts to sus- 
tain, much more to revive, the fainting cause of morals, 
unless you can in some degree restore the prevalence of 
evangelical Christianity. It is in morals as in physics : 
unless the source of practical principles be elevated, it will 
be in vain to attempt to make them flow on a high level in 
their future course. You may force them for a while into 
some constrained position, but they will soon drop to their 
natural point of depression. By all therefore who are 
studious of their country's welfare, more particularly by all 
who desire to support our ecclesiastical establishment, every 
effort should be used to revive the Christianity of our better 



* It is a gratification to the writer's personal, as well as public 
feelings, to pay this tribute of respect to the character of Lord Chief 
Justice Kenyon. 

24* 



282 PRACTICAL VIEW 

days. The attempt should especially be made in the case 
of the pastors of the church, whose situation must render 
the principles which they hold a matter of supereminent im- 
portance. Wherever these teachers have steadily and zeal- 
ously inculcated the true doctrines of the church of England, 
the happiest effects have commonly rewarded their labors. 
And it is worth observing, in the view which we are now 
taking, that these men, as might naturally be expected, are, 
perhaps without exception, friendly to our ecclesiastical and 
civil establishment ;'^ and consequently, that their instruc- 
tions and influence tend directly as well as indirectly, to the 
maintenance of the cause of order and good government. If 
any, judging with the abstract coldness of mere politicians^ 
doubt whether, by adopting the measures here recommended, 
such a religious warmth would not be called into action, as 
might break out into mischievous irregularities ; it may be 
well for them to recollect, what experience clearly proves, 
that an establishment, from its very nature, affords the happy 
means of exciting a considerable degree of fervor and anima- 
tion, and at the same time tends to restrain them within due 
bounds. The duty of encouraging vital religion in the church, 
particularly devolves on all who have the disposal of ecclesi- 
astical preferment, and more especially on the dignitaries of 
the sacred order. Some of these have already sounded the 
alarm ; justly censuring the practice of suffering Christianity 
to degenerate into a mere system of ethics, and recommend- 
ing more attention to the peculiar doctrines of our religion. 
In our schools, in our universities, let encouragement be 
given to the study of the writings of those venerable divines 
who flourished in the purer times of Christianity. Let even 
a considerable proficiency in their writings be required of 
candidates for ordination. Let our churches no longer wit- 
ness that unseemly discordance, which has too much prevailed, 
between the prayers which precede, and the sermon which 
follows. 

But it may be enough to have briefly hinted at the course 
of conduct, which, in the present circumstances of this coun- 
try, motives merely political should prompt us to pursue. 
To all who have at heart the national welfare, the above sug- 
gestions are solemnly submitted. They have not been urged 



* This is not thrown out rashly, but asserted on the writer's own 
knowledge. 



OJF CHRISTIANITY. 283 

altogether without misgivings, lest it should appear as 
though the concern of eternity were melted down into a mere 
matter of temporal advantage, or political expediency. But 
since it has graciously pleased the Supreme Being so to ar- 
range the constitution of things, as to render the preva- 
lence of true religion and of pure morality conducive to the 
well-being of states, and the preservation of civil order ; and 
since these subordinate inducements are not unfrequently 
held forth, even by the sacred writers ; it seemed not improp- 
er, and scarcely liable to misconstruction, to suggest inferior 
motives to readers, who might be less disposed to listen to 
considerations of a higher order. 

Would to God that the course of conduct here suggested 
might be fairly pursued ! Would to God that the happy con- 
sequences which would result from the principles we have 
recommended, could be realized ; and above all that the 
influence of true religion could be extensively diffused ! It 
is the best wish which can be formed for his country, by one 
who is deeply anxious for its welfare : 

Lucem redde tuam, dux bone, patriae ! 
Instar veris enim vultus ubi tuus 
Affulsit populo ; gratior it dies, 
Et soles melius nitent. 



CHAPTER VII. 



PRACTICAL HINTS TO VARIOUS DESCRIPTIONS OF 
PERSONS. 

Difference betivee7i nominal and real Christians of the first 
importance, — Thus have we endeavored to trace the chief 
defects of the religious system of the bulk of professed Chris- 
tians in this country. We have pointed out their low idea of 
the importance of Christianity in general ; their inadequate 
conceptions of all its leading doctrines, and the effect hereby 
naturally produced in relaxing the strictness of its practical 
system : more than all, we have remarked their grand 
fundamental misconception of its genius and essential nature. 
Let not therefore the difference between them and true 



284 PRACTICAL VIEW 

believers be considered as a trifling difference ; as a ques- 
tion of forms or opinions. The question is of the very sub- 
stance of religion ; the difference is of the most serious and 
momentous amount. We must speak out : Their Chris- 
tianity is not Christianity. It wants the radical principle. It 
is mainly defective in all the grand constituents. Let them 
no longer, then, be deceived by names in a matter of infinite 
importance : but, with humble prayer to the Source of all wis- 
dom, that he would enlighten their understandings, and clear 
their hearts from prejudice, let them seriously examine, by 
the Scripture standard, their real belief and allowed practice ; 
and they will become sensible of the shallowness of their 
scanty system. 

Helps in self-examination : frequent sources of selfdecep' 
tion pointed out, — If, through the blessing of Providence on 
any thing which has been here written, any should feel them- 
selves disposed to this important duty of self-inquiry, let me 
previously warn them to be well aware of our natural prone- 
ness to think too favorably of ourselves. Selfishness is 
one of the principal fruits of the corruption of human na- 
ture ; and it is obvious that selfishness disposes us to over- 
rate our good qualities, and to overlook or extenuate our de- 
fects. The corruption of human nature therefore being ad- 
mitted, it follows undeniably, that in all our reckonings, if we 
would form a just estimate of our character, we must make 
an allowance for the effects of selfishness. It is also another 
effect of the corruption of human nature, to cloud our moral 
sight, and blunt our moral sensibility. Something must 
therefore be allowed for this effect likewise. Doubtless, 
the perfect purity of the Supreme Being makes him see in us 
stains, far more in number and deeper in dye, than we 
ourselves can discover. Nor should another awful consid- 
eration be forgotten : when we look into ourselves, those 
sins only, into which we have lately fallen, are commonly 
apt to excite any lively impression. Many individual acts 
of vice, or a continued course of vicious or dissipated con- 
duct, which, when recent, may have smitten us with deep 
remorse, after a few months or years leave but very faint 
traces in our recollection ; at least, those acts alone continue 
to strike us strongly, which were of very extraordinary magni- 
tude. But the strong impressions which they at first excited, 
not the faded images which they subsequently present to us, 
furnish the juster measure of their guilt ; and to the pure eyes 
of God, this guilt must always have appeared far greater 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 285 

than to us. Now to the Supreme Being, we must be- 
lieve that there is no past or future : as whatever will be, 
so whatever has been, is retained by him in present and un- 
varying contemplation, continuing always to appear just the 
same as at the first moment of its existence. Well may it 
then humble us in the sight of that Being ' who is of purer 
eyes than to behold iniquity,' to remember, that, unless 
through true repentance and lively faith we have obtained 
an interest in the satisfaction of Christ, we appear before 
him at this moment clothed with the sins of our whole lives, 
in all their original depth of coloring, and with all the aggra- 
vations which we no longer particularly remember ; but which, 
in general, we perhaps may recollect to have once filled us 
with shame and confusion of face. The writer is the rather 
desirous of enforcing this reflection, because he can truly de- 
clare that he has found no consideration so efficacious in 
producing in his own mind the deepest self-abasement. 

In treating of the sources of the erroneous estimates which 
we form of our religious and moral character, it may not 
perhaps be without its uses to take this occasion of pointing 
out some other common springs of self-deception. Many 
persons, as was formerly hinted, are misled by the favora- 
ble opinions entertained of them by others : many also, it is 
to be feared, mistake a hot zeal for orthodoxy, for a cordial 
acceptance of the great truths of the Gospel; and almost 
all of us, at one time or other, are more or less misled, by 
confounding the suggestions of the understanding with the 
impulses of the will, the assent which our judgment gives to 
religious and moral truths, with a hearty belief and appro- 
bation of them. 

Outgrowing^ or merely changing our vices, mistaken for 
forsaking of all sin, — There is another frequent source of 
self-deception, which is productive of so much mischief in 
life, that, though it may appear to lead to some degree of re- 
petition, it would be highly improper to omit the mention of it 
in this place. That we may be the better understood, it may 
be proper to premise, that certain particular vices, and like- 
wise certain particular good and amiable qualities, seem 
naturally to belong to certain particular periods and condi- 
tions of life. Now, if we would reason fairly in estimating 
our moral character, we ought to examine ourselves with re- 
ference to that particular ' sin, which does most easily beset 
us,' not to some other sin to which we are not nearly so much 



286 PRACTICAL VIEW 

liable. In like manner, on the other hand, we ought not to 
account it matter of much self-complacency, if we find in 
ourselves that good and amiable quality which naturally be- 
longs to our period or condition ; but rather look for some 
less ambiguous sign of a real internal principle of virtue. But 
we are very apt to reverse these rules of judging : we are 
apt, on the one hand, both in ourselves and in others, to ex- 
cuse ' the besetting sin,' and take credit for being exempt 
from others, to which we are less liable ; and, on the other 
hand, to value ourselves extremely on our possession of the 
good or amiable quality which n>iturally belongs to us, and to 
require no more satisfactory evidence of the sufficiency at 
least of our moral character. The bad effects of this par- 
tiality are aggravated by the practice, to which we are sadly 
prone, of being contented, when we take a hasty view of our- 
selves, with negative evidences of our state ; thinking it very 
well if we are not shocked by some great actual transgres- 
sion, instead of looking for the positive marks of a true 
Christian, as laid down in the holy Scripture. 

But the source of self-deception, which it is more particu- 
larly our present object to point out, is a disposition to con- 
sider the relinquishment of any particular vice as an actual 
victory over the vice itself; when, in fact, we only forsake 
it on quitting the period or condition of life to which that 
vice belongs, and probably substitute for it the vice of the 
new period or condition on which we are entering. We 
thus mistake our merely outgrowing our vices, or relinquish- 
ing them from some change in our worldly circumstances, for 
a thorough, or at least for a sufficient, reformation. 

But this topic deserves to be viewed a little more closely. 
Young people may, without much offence, be inconsiderate 
and dissipated ; the youth of one sex may indulge occasion- 
ally in licentious excesses ; those of the other may be su- 
premely given up to vanity and pleasure : yet, provided that 
they are sweet-tempered, and open, and not disobedient to 
their parents or other superiors, the former are deemed good- 
hearted young men, the latter innocent young women. Those 
who love them best have no solicitude about their spiritual 
interests : and it would be deemed strangely strict in them- 
selves, or in others, to doubt of their becoming more reli- 
gious as they advance in life ; and still more to speak of 
them as being actually under the Divine displeasure ; or, if 
their life should be in danger, to entertain any apprehensions 
concerning their future destiny. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 287 

They grow older, and marry. The same licentiousness 
which was formerly considered in young men as a venial 
frailty, is now no longer regarded in the husband and the 
father as compatible with the character of a decently religious 
man. The language is of this sort; ' they have sown their 
wild oats, they must now reform and be regular.' Nor per- 
haps is the same manifest predominance of vanity and dissipa- 
tion deemed innocent in the matron ; but if they are kind 
respectively in their conjugal and parental relations, and are 
tolerably regular and decent, they pass for mighty good sort 
of people : and it would be altogether unnecessary scrupu- 
losity in them to doubt of their coming up to the requisi- 
tions of the divine law, as far as in the present state of the 
world can be expected from human frailty. Their hearts, 
however, are perhaps no more than before supremely set 
on the great work of iheir salvation, but are chiefly bent on 
increasing their fortunes, or raising their families. Mean- 
while they congratulate themselves on their having renounced 
vices, which they are no longer strongly tempted to commit, 
and the renunciation of which forms no just criterion of the 
religious principle, since the commission of them would preju- 
dice their characters, and perhaps injure their prospects in 
life. 

Old age has at length made its advances. Now, if ever, 
we might expect that it would be deemed high time to make 
eternal things the main object of attention. No such thing. 
There is still an appropriate good quality, the presence of 
which calms the disquietude, and satisfies the requisitions, 
both of themselves and of those around them. It is now re- 
quired of them that they should be good-natured and cheer- 
ful, indulgent to the frailties and follies of the young ; remem- 
bering, that when young themselves they gave into the same 
practices. How opposite this to that dread of sin, which is 
the sure characteristic of the true Christian ; which causes 
him to look back upon the vices of his own youthful days 
with shame and sorrow ; and which, instead of conceding to 
young people to be wild and thoughtless, as a privilege be- 
longing to their age and circumstances, prompts him to warn 
them against what had proved tohimself matter of such bitter 
reflection ! Thus, throughout the whole of life, some means 
or other are devised for stifling the voice of conscience. ' We 
cry peace, while there is no peace ;' and both to ourselves 
and others that complacency is furnished, which ought only 
to proceed from a consciousnes of being reconciled to God, 
and a humble hope of our possessing his favor. 



^88 PRACTICAL VIEW 

Uncharitableness, and true Charity. — I know that these 
sentiments will be termed uncharitable : but I must not be 
deterred by such an imputation. It is time to have done 
with that senseless cant of charity, which insults the under- 
standing, and trifles with the feelings, of those who are 
really concerned for the happiness of their fellow-creatures. 
What matter of keen remorse and of bitter self-reproaches 
are they storing up for their future torment, who are them- 
selves the miserable dupes of such misguided charity, or 
who, being charged with the office of watching over the eter- 
nal interests of their children or relations, suffer themselves 
to be lulled asleep by such shallow reasonings, or to be led 
into a dereliction of their important duty by a fear of bringing 
on themselves a momentary pain ! Charity, indeed, is partial 
to the object of her regard ; and where actions are of a 
doubtful quality, this partiality disposes her to refer them to a 
good, rather than to a bad motive. She is apt also some- 
what to exaggerate merits, and to see amiable qualities in a 
light more favorable than that which strictly belongs to them. 
But true charity is wakeful, fervent, full of solicitude, full of 
good offices, not so easily satisfied, not so ready to believe 
that every thing is going on well as a matter of course ; but 
jealous of mischief, apt to suspect danger, and prompt to ex- 
tend relief. These are the symptoms by which genuine re- 
gard will manifest itself in a wife or a mother, in the case of 
the bodily health of the object of her affections. And where 
there is any real concern for the spiritual interests of others, 
it is characterized by the same infallible marks. That 
wretched quality, by which the sacred name of charity is now 
so generally and so falsely usurped, is no other than indiffer- 
ence ; which, against the plainest evidence, or at least where 
there is strong ground of apprehension, is easily contented to 
believe that all goes well, because it has no anxieties to allay, 
no fears to repress. It undergoes no alteration of passions ; 
it is not at one time flushed with hope, nor at another chilled 
by disappointment. 

Women naiuraUy more disposed towards Religion than 
men. — To a considerate and feeling mind, there is something 
deeply afflicting, in seeing the engaging cheerfulness and 
cloudless gaiety incident to youth, welcomed as a sufficient 
indication of internal purity by the delighted parents ; who, 
knowing the deceitfulness of these flattering appearances, 
should eagerly avail themselves of this period, when once 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 289 

wasted never to be regained, of good-humored acquiescence 
and dutiful docility : a period when the soft and ductile 
temper of the mind renders it more easily susceptible of 
the impressions we desire ; and when, therefore, habits 
should be formed, which may assist our natural weakness to 
resist the temptations to which we shall be exposed in the 
commerce of maturer life. This is more especially affect- 
ing in the female sex, because that sex seems, by the very 
constitution of its nature, to be more favorably disposed than 
ours to the feelings and offices of religion ; being thus fitted 
by the bounty of Providence, the better to execute the im- 
portant task which devolves on it, — of the education of our 
earliest youth. Doubtless, this more favorable disposition 
to religion in the female sex, was graciously designed also to 
make women doubly valuable in the wedded state : and it 
seems to afford to the married man the means of rendering 
an active share in the business of life more compatible than 
it would otherwise be, with the liveliest devotional feelings ; 
that when the husband should return to his family, worn and 
harrassed by worldly cares or professional labors, the wife, 
habitually preserving a warmer and more unimpaired spirit of 
devotion, than is perhaps consistent with being immersed in 
the bustle of life, might revive his languid piety ; and that 
the religious impressions of both might derive new force and 
tenderness from the animating sympathies of conjugal affec- 
tion. Can a more pleasing image be presented to a con- 
siderate mind, than that of a couple, happy in each other and 
in the pledges of their mutual love, uniting in an act of grate- 
ful adoration to the Author of all their mercies ; recom- 
mending each other, and the objects of their common care, to 
the divine protection ; and repressing the solicitude of 
conjugal and parental tenderness by a confiding hope, that, 
through all the changes of this uncertain life, the Disposer 
of all things will assuredly cause all to work together for 
the good of them that love and put their trust in him ; and 
that, after this uncertain state shall have passed away, they 
shall be admitted to a joint participation of never-ending hap- 
piness ? It is surely no mean or ignoble office which we 
would allot to the female sex, when we would thus commit 
to them the charge of maintaining in lively exercise what- 
ever emotions most dignify and adorn human nature ; when 
we would make them as it were the medium of our inter- 
course with the heavenly world, the faithful repositories of the 
religious principle, for the benefit both of the present and of 
25 



290 PRACTICAL VIEW 

the rising generation. Must it not then excite our grief and 
indignation, when we behold mothers forgetful at once 
of their own peculiar duties, and of the high office which 
Providence designed their daughters to fulfil, exciting, in- 
stead of moderating, in them, the natural sanguineness and 
inconsiderateness of youth ; hurrying them night after night 
to the resorts of dissipation ; thus teaching them to despise 
the common comforts of the family-circle ; and, instead of 
striving to raise their views, and to direct their affections to 
their true object, acting as if with the express design studi- 
ously to extinguish every spark of a devotional spirit, and to 
kindle in its stead an excessive love of pleasure, and, perhaps, 
a principle of extravagant vanity, and ardent emulation? 

Innocent young people, iermmuch abused. — Innocent young 
women ! Good-hearted young men ! Wherein does this 
goodness of heart and this innocence appear? Remember 
that we are fallen creatures, born in sin, and naturally de- 
praved. Christianity recognizes no innocence or goodness of 
hearty but in the remission of sin, and in the effects of the op- 
eration of divine grace. Do we find in these young persons 
the characters, which the holy Scriptures lay down as the only 
satisfactory evidences of a safe state 1 Do we not on the other 
hand discover the specific marks of a state of alienation from 
God ? Can the blindest partiality persuade itself that they are 
loving or striving Ho love God with all their hearts, and minds, 
and souls, and strength?' Are they ' seeking first the kingdom 
of God, and his righteousness?' Are they * working out their 
salvation with fear and trembling V Are they ' clothed w ith 
humility ?' Are they not, on the contrary, supremely given up 
to self-indulgence ? Are they not at least ' lovers of plea- 
sure more than lovers of God ?' Are the offices of religion 
their solace, or their task ? Do they not come to these sa- 
cred services with reluctance, continue in them by con- 
straint, and quit them with gladness? And to how many of 
these persons may not the prophet's language be applied : 
' The harp, and the viol, the tabret and pipe, and wine, are 
in their feasts ; but they regard not the work of the Lord, 
neither consider the operation of his hands ?' Are not the 
youth of one sex often actually committing, and still more 
often wishing for the opportunity to commit, those sins, of 
which the Scripture says expressly, ' that they which do such 
things shall not inherit the kingdom of God ?' Are not the 
youth of the other sex principally intent on the gratification 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 291 

of vanity ; and looking for their chief happiness to the re- 
sorts of gaiety and fashion, and to all the multiplied plea- 
sures, which pubHc places, or the still higher gratifications 
of more refined circles, can supply? 

And then, when the first ebullitions of youthful warmth 
are over, what is their boasted reformation ? They may be 
decent, sober, useful, respectable, as members of the commu- 
nity, or amiable in the relations of domestic life. But is this 
the change of which the Scripture speaks ? Hear the expres- 
sions which it uses, and judge for yourselves : — ' Except a 
man be born again, he cannot enter into the kingdom of 
God.' — ' The old man is corrupt according to the deceitful 
lusts ;' an expression but too descriptive of the vain delirium 
of youthful dissipation, and of the false dreams of pleasure 
which it inspires; but 'the new man' is awakened from 
this fallacious estimate of happiness ; * he is renewed in 
knowledge after the image of Him that created him.' — ' He 
is created after God in righteousness and true holiness.' 
The persons of whom we are speaking are no longer indeed 
so thoughtless, and wild, and dissipated, as formerly ; so neg- 
ligent in their attention to objects of real value ; so eager in 
the pursuit of pleasure ; so prone to yield to the impulse of 
appetite. But this is no more than the change of which 
a writer of no very strict cast speaks, as naturally belonging 
to their riper age : 

Conversis studiis, setas, animusque virills 

Gtua^rit opes, et amicitias : inservit honori : 

Commisisse cavet, quod mox mutare laboret. Hor* 

This is a point of infinite importance : let it not be 
thought tedious to spend even yet a few more moments in 
the discussion of it. Put the question to another issue, and 
try it upon this principle, that life is a state of probation ; 
(a principle true indeed in a certain sense, though not ex- 
actly in that which is sometimes assigned to it) ; and you 
will still be led to no very different conclusion. Probation im- 
plies resisting, in obedience to the dictates of religion, appe- 
tites which we are naturally prompted to gratify. Young 
people are not tempted to be churlish, interested, covetous ; 
but to be inconsiderate and dissipated, ' lovers of pleasure 
more than lovers of God.' People again in middle age are 
not strongly tempted to be thoughtless, and idle, and licen- 
tious. From excesses of this sort they are sufficiently with- 



292 PRACTICAL VIEW 

held, particularly when happily settled in domestic life, by 
a regard to their characters, by the restraints of family con- 
nections, and by a sense of what is due to the decencies of 
the married state. Their probation is of another sort ; they 
are tempted to be supremely engrossed by worldly cares, by 
family interests, by professional objects, by the pursuit of 
wealth or of ambition. Thus occupied, they are tempted to 
* mind earthly rather than heavenly things ;' to forget 
' the one thing needful ;' to ' set their affections' on temporal 
rather than on eternal concerns ; and to take up with ' a form 
of godliness,' instead of seeking to experience the power 
thereof: the foundations of this nominal religion being laid 
in the forgetfulness, ifnotinthe ignorance, of the peculiar 
doctrines of Christianity. These are the ready-made Chris- 
tians formerly spoken of, who consider Christianity as a geo- 
graphical term, properly applicable to all those who have been 
born and educated in a country wherein Christianity is pro- 
fessed ; not as indicating a renewed nature, or as expressive 
of a peculiar character, with its appropriate desires, and aver- 
sions, and hopes, and fears, and joys, and sorrows. To 
people of this description, the solemn admonition of Christ 
is addressed : ' I know thy works ; that thou hast a name 
that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen 
the things which remain, that are ready to die ; for I have 
not found thy works perfect before God.' 

Hints to such as ^ having been hitherto careless, wish to become 
true Christians, — If there be any one who is inclined to listen 
to this solemn warning, who is awakened from his dream of 
false security, and is disposed to be not only almost but altO' 
g-cZ/ier a Christian — ! let him not stifle or dissipate these^be- 
ginnings of seriousness, but sedulously cherish them as the 
' workings of the Divine Spirit,' which would draw him from 
the ' broad' and crow^ded ' road of destruction, into the nar- 
row' and thinly-peopled ' path that leadeth to life.' Let him 
retire from the multitude. — Let him enter into his closet, and 
on his bended knees implore, for Christ's sake and in reliance 
on his m.ediation, that God would ' take away from him the 
heart of stone, and give him a heart of flesh ;' that the Fa- 
ther of light would open his eyes to his true condition, and 
clear his heart from the clouds of prejudice, and dissipate 
the deceitful medium of self-love. Then let him carefully 
examine his past life, and his present course of conduct ; 
comparing himself with God's word, and considering how 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 293 

any one might reasonably have been expected to conduct 
himself, to whom the Holy Scriptures had been always 
open, and who had been used to acknowledge them to be 
the revelation of the will of his Creator, and Governor, and 
Supreme Benefactor : let him there peruse the awful denun- 
ciations against impenitent sinners ; let him labor to be- 
come more and more deeply impressed with a sense of his 
own radical blindness and corruption : above all, let him 
steadily contemplate, in all its relations, that stupendous truth, 
//le incarnation and crucifixion of the only begotten Son of 
God^ and the message of mercy proclaimed from the cross 
to repenting sinners, — ' Be ye reconciled unto God,' — 
' Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be 
saved.' 

When he fairly estimates the guilt of sin by the costly sat- 
isfaction which was required to alone for it, and the worth 
of his soul by the price which was paid for its redemption, 
and contrasts both of these with his own sottish inconsider- 
ateness ; when he reflects on the amazing love and pity of 
Christ, and on the cold and formal acknowledgments with 
which he has hitherto returned this infinite obligation, mak- 
ing light of the precious blood of the Son of God, and trifling 
with the gracious invitations of his Redeemer ; surely, if he 
be not lost to sensibility, there will rise within him mixed 
emotions of guilt, and fear, and shame, and remorse, and 
sorrow, which will nearly overwhelm his soul ; and he will 
smite upon his breast, and cry out in the language of the 
publican, * God be merciful to me a sinner.' But, blessed 
be God, such an one needs not despair — it is to persons in 
this very situation, and with these very feelings, that the 
offers of the Gospel are held forth, and its promises assured ; 
' to the weary and heavy laden' under the burthen of their 
sins ; to them who thirst for the water of life ; to them who 
feel themselves * tied and bound by the chain of their sins ;' 
who abhor their captivity, and long earnestly for deliverance. 
Happy, happy souls ! whom the grace of God has visited, 
* has brought out of darkness into his marvellous light,' and 
' from the power of Satan unto God.' Cast yourselves then 
on his undeserved mercy : he is full of love, and will not 
jjpurn you from his foot-stool; surrender yourselves into 
his hands ; and solemnly resolve, through his grace, to dedi- 
cate henceforth all your faculties and powers to his service. 

It is yours now * to work out your own salvation with 
fear and trembling,' relying on the fidelity of him who has 
26* 



294 PRACTICAL Viti/^ 

promised to * work in you both to will and to do 6? his 
good pleasure.' Ever look to him for help; your only 
safety consists in a deep and permanent sense of your own 
weakness, and in a firm reliance on his strength. If you 
' give ail diligence,' his power is armed for your protection, 
his truth is pledged for your security. You are enlisted un- 
der the banners of Christ — Fear not, though the world, and 
the flesh, and the devil^ are set in array against you. — 
'Faithful is he that hath promised;' — *be ye also faithful 
unto death, and he will give you a crown of life.' — * He 
that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved.' In 
such a world as this, in such a state of society as ours, 
especially if in the higher walks of life, you must be pre- 
pared to meet with many difficulties : — arm yourselves, there- 
fore, in the first place, with a determined resolution not to 
rate human estimation beyond its true value ; not to dread 
the charge of particularity, when it shall be necessary to in- 
cur it ; but let it be your constant endeavor to retain before 
your mental eye, that bright assemblage of invisible specta- 
tors, who are the witnesses of your daily conduct, and ' to 
seek that honor which cometh from God.' You cannot 
advance a single step, till you are in some good measure pos- 
sessed of this comparative indifference to the favor cf meii. 
We have before explained ourselves too clearly to render it 
necessary to declare, that no one should needlessly affect 
singularity : but to aim at objects that are incompatible 
with each other, or, in other words, to seek to please God 
and the world, where their commands are really at variance, 
is the way to be neither respectable, nor good, nor happy. 
Continue to be ever aware of your own radical corruption 
and habitual weakness. Indeed, if your eyes be really opened^ 
and your heart truly softened ; if you ' hunger and thirst 
after righteousness,' rising in your ideas of true holiness, and 
proving the genuineness v^ your hope by desiring * to purify 
yourself even as God is pure ;' you will become daily more 
and more sensible of your own defects, and wants, and weak- 
nesses ; and more and more impressed by a sense of the 
mercy and long-suffering of that gracious Saviour, 'who for- 
giveth all your sins, and healeth all your infirmities.' 

Humilily enforced. — This is the solution of what, to a 
man of the world, might seem a strange paradox ; that in 
proportion as the Christian grows in grace, he grows also in 
humility. Humility is indeed the vital principle of Chris- 
tianity ; that principle by which from first to last she lives and 



or CHRISflANlTY. 295 

thrives ; and in proportion to the growth or decline of which, 
she must decay or flourish. This first disposes the sinner 
in deep self-abasement to accept the honors of the Gospel: 
this, during his whole progress, is the very ground and basis 
of his feelings and conduct^ in relation to God, his fellow- 
creatures, and himself; and, when at length he shall be 
translated into the realms of glory, this principle shall still 
subsist in undiminished force : he shall *fa!l down, and cast 
his crown before the Lamb : and shall ascribe blessing, and 
honor, and glory, and power, to him that sitteth upon the 
throne, and to the Lamb, for ever and ever.' The practical 
benefits of this habitual lowliness of spirit are too numerous, 
and at the same time too obvious, to require enumeration. 
It will lead you to dread the beginnings, and fly from the oc- 
casions of sin ; as that man would shun some infectious dis- 
temper, who should know that he was predisposed to take the 
contagion. It will prevent a thousand difliculties, and decide 
a thousand questions concerning worldly compliances ; by 
which those persons are apt to be embarrassed, who are not 
duly sensible of their own exceeding frailty, whose views of 
the Christian character are not sufficiently elevated, and who 
are not enough possessed with a continual fear of ' grieving 
the Holy Spirit of God,' and thus provoking him to with- 
draw his gracious influence. But if you are really such as 
we have been describing, you need not be urged to set the 
standard of practice high, and to strive after universal holi- 
ness. It is the desire of your hearts to act in all things with 
a single eye to the favor of God ; and thus the most ordinary 
actions of life will be raised into offices of religion. This 
is the purifying, the transmuting principle, which realizes the 
fabled touch, which changes all to gold. But to this desire 
of pleasino^ God, it is essential that we should be continually 
solicitous to discover the path of duty ; that we should not 
indolently wait for such occasions of glorifying God, as are 
forced upon us, but pray earnestly to God for a spirit of 
wisdom and understanding, that we may be acute in discern- 
ing opportunities of serving him, judicious in selecting and 
wise in improvmg them. It is essential also that you guard 
against the distraction of worldly cares ; and cultivate 
heavenly-mindedness, and a spirit of continual prayer ; and 
that you watch incessantly over the workings of your own 
deceitful heart. To this I must add, that you must be active 
also, and useful. Let not your precious time be wasted 
' in shapeless idleness ;' an admonition which, in our days, is 



296 PRACTICAL VIEW 

rendered but too necessary by the relaxed habits of persons 
even of real piety ; but wisely husband and improve this 
fleeting treasure. Never be satisfied with your present at- 
tainments ; but ' forgetting the things which are behind,' la- 
bor still to ' press forward' with undiminished energy, and to 
run the race that is set before you without weariness or inter- 
mission. 

Love enforced, — Above all, measure your progress by your 
improvement in love to God and man. * God is love.' This 
is the sacred principle, which warms and enlightens the 
heavenly world, that blessed seat of God's visible presence. 
There it shines with unclouded radiance. Some scattered 
beams of it are graciously transmitted to us on earth, or we 
had been benighted and lost in darkness and misery; but a 
larger portion of it is infused into the hearts of the servants of 
God, who thus ' are renewed in the divine likeness,' and even 
here exhibit some faint traces of the image of their heavenly 
Father. It is the principle of love which disposes them to 
yield themselves up without reserve to the service of Him, 
' who bought them with the price of his own blood.' 

Base nature of the Religion of the bulk of nominal Chris- 
tians, — Servile, and base, and mercenary, is the notion of 
Christian practice among the bulk of nominal Christians. 
They give no more than they dare not withhold ; they abstain 
from nothing but what they must not practise. When you 
state to them the doubtful quality of any action, and the 
consequent obligation to desist from U, they reply to you 
in the very spirit of Shylock, ' they cinnot find it in the 
bond.' In short, they know Christianity only as a system 
of restraints. She is despoiled of every liberal and gene- 
rous principle : she is rendered almost unfit for the social 
intercourses of life, and is only suited to the gloomy walls 
of a cloister, in which they would confine her. But true 
Christians consider themselves not as satisfying some rig- 
orous creditor, but as discharging a debt of gratitude. 
Theirs accordingly is not the stinted return of a constrained 
obedience, but the large and liberal measure of a voluntary 
service. This principle, therefore, prevents a thousand 
practical embarrassments, by which they are continually 
hirassed, who act from a less generous motive ; and who re- 
quire it to be clearly ascertained to them, that any gratifica- 
tion or worldly compliance, which may be in question, is 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 297 

beyond the allowed boundary line of Christian practice.* 
This principle regulates the true Christian's choice of com- 
panions and friends, where he is at liberty to make an op- 
tion ; this fills him with a desire of promoting the temporal 
welfare of all around him, and still more with pity and love, 
and anxious solicitude for their spiritual happiness. Indif- 
ference indeed in this respect is one of the surest signs of a 
low or declining state in religion. This animating principle 
it is, which in the true Christian's happier hours inspirits his 
devotions, and causes him to delight in the worship of God ; 
which fills him with consolation, and peace, and gladness, 
and sometimes even enables him ' to rejoice with joy un- 
speakable and full of glory.' 

But this world is not his resting place : here, to the very 
last, he must be a pilgrim and a stranger ; a soldier, whose 
w^arfare ends only with life, ever struggling and combating 
with the powers of darkness, and with the temptations of the 
world around him, and the still more dangerous hostilities of 
internal depravity. The perpetual vicissitudes of this uncer- 
tain state, the peculiar trials and difficulties with which the 
life of a Christian is chequered, and still more, the painful 
and humiliating remembrance of his own infirmities, teach 
him to look forward, almost with outstretched neck, to that 
promised day, when he shall be completely delivered from 
the bondage of corruption, and sorrow and sighing shall flee 
away. In the anticipation of that blessed period, and com- 
paring this churlish and turbulent world, (where competition, 
and envy, and anger, and revenge, so vex and agitate the 
sons of men,) with t^t blissful region where love shall 
reign without disturbance, and where all, knit together in 
bonds of indissoluble friendship, shall unite in one harmonious 

* 'Neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord my God,* 
(sa}s David) *of that which doth cost me nothing.' 2 Sam. xxiv. 
24. * They' (the apostles) * departed from the presence of the 
co.urcil, rejoicing that they were counted Avortliy to suffer shame for 
the name of Jesus.' Acts, v 41. See also 1 Thess. i 6. Heb. x. 
34. James, i. 2. 1 Peter, iv. 13, 14. 

Such are the marks exhibited in Scripture of a true love to God : 
and though our regard for our common Lord is not put to the sam e 
severe test, as that of the apostles and first Christians was ; yet, if 
the same principle existed in us also, it would surely dispose us to 
act in the same spirit of that conduct ; and prompt us rather to be 
willing to exceed in self-denials and labors for Christ's sake, than to 
be so forward as we are to complain, w^henever we are called upon 
to perform or to abstain from any thing, though in an instance ever so 
little contrary to our inclinations. 



298 PRACTICAL VIEW 

song of praise to the Author of their common happiness ; 
the true Christian triumphs over the fear of death, he longs 
to realize these cheering images, and to oblain admission into 
that blessed company — With far more justice than it was 
originally used, he may adopt the beautiful exclamation, — 
' prgeclarum ilium diem, cum ad illud divinum animorum 
concilium ccetumque proficiscar, atque ex hac turba et collu- 
vione discedam !' 

Falsehood of the objection^ that we make Religion a gloomy 
service,— V^h?ii has been now remarked, concerning the ha- 
bitual feelings of the real believer, may suggest a reply to an 
objection common in the mouths of nominal Christians, that 
we would deny men the innocent amusements and gratifica- 
tions of life ; thus causing our religion to wear a gloomy, for- 
bidding aspect, instead of her true and natural face of cheer- 
fulness and joy. This is a charge of so serious a nature, 
that although it lead into a digression, it may not be improper 
to take some notice of it. 

In the first place, religion prohibits no amusement or gratifi- 
cation which is really innocent. The question, however, of 
its innocence, must not be tried by the loose maxims of world- 
ly morality, but by the spirit of the injunctions of the word of 
God ; and by the indulgence being conformable or not con- 
formable to the genius of Christianity, and to the tempers and 
dispositions of mind enjoined on its professors. There can 
be no dispute concerning the true end of recreations. They 
are intended to refresh our exhausted bodily or mental powers, 
and to restore us, with renewed vig»r, to the more serious 
occupations of life. Whatever therefore fatigues either body 
or mind, instead of refreshing them, is not fitted to answer 
the desigiied purpose. W^hatever consumes more time, or 
money, or thought, than it is expedient (I might say neces- 
sary) to allot to mere amusement, can hardly be approved by 
any one, who considers these talents as precious deposits, 
for the expenditure of which he will have to give account. 
W^hatever directly or indirectly must be likely to injure the 
welfare of a fellow- creature, can scarcely be a suitable re- 
creation for a Christian, who is ' to love his neighbor as him- 
self;' or a very consistent diversion for any one, the business 
of whose life is to diffuse happiness. 

But does a Christian never relax? Let us not so wrong 
and vilify the bounty of Providence, as to allow for a mo- 
ment that the sources of innocent amusement are so rare, 
that men must be driven, almost by constraint, to such as 



OP CHRISTIANIXr. 299 

are of a doubtful quality. On the contrary, such has been 
the Creator's goodness, that almost every one of our physical, 
and intellectual, and moral faculties (and the same may be 
said of the whole creation which we see around us) is not 
only calculated to answer the proper end of its being, by its 
subserviency to some purpose of solid usefulness, but to be 
the instrument of administering pleasure. 

Not content 
With every food of life to nourish mart, 
Thou mak'st all nature beauty to his eye 
And music to his ear. 

Our Maker also, in his kindness, has so constructed us, that 
even mere vicissitude is grateful and refreshing — a considera- 
tion which should prompt us often to seek, from a prudent 
variation of useful pursuits, that recreation, for which we are 
apt to resort to what is altogether unproductive and un- 
fruitful. 

Yet rich and multiplied are the springs of innocent relaxa- 
tion. The Christian relaxes in the temperate use of all the 
gifts of Providence. • Imagination, and taste, and genius, 
and the beauties of creation, and the works of art, lie open 
to him. He relaxes in the feast of reason, in the intercourses 
of society, in the sweets of friendship, in the endearments 
of love, in the exercise of hope, of confidence, of joy, of 
gratitude, of universal good-will, of all the benevolent and 
generous affections ; which, by the gracious appointment of 
our Creator, while they disinterestedly intend only happiness 
to others, are most surely productive of peace and joy to 
ourselves. O ! little do they know of the true measure of 
man's enjoyment, who can compare these delightful compla- 
cencies with the frivolous pleasures of dissipation, or the 
coarse gratifications of sensuality. It is no wonder, however, 
that the nominal Christian should reluctantly give up, one by 
one, the pleasures of the world ; and look back upon them, 
when relinquished, with eyes of wistfulness and regret: be- 
cause he knows not the sweetness of the delights with which 
true Christianity repays those trifling sacrifices ; and is 
wholly unacquainted with the nature of that pleasantness 
which is to be found in the ways of religion. 

It is indeed true, that when any one, who has long been 
going on in the gross and unrestrained practice of vice, is 
checked in his career, and enters at first on a religious 



300 PRACTICAL VIEW 

course, he has much to undergo. Fear, guilt, remorse, 
shame, and various other passions, struggle and conflict with- 
in him. His appetites are clamorous Tor their accustomed 
gratification ; and inveterate habits are scarcely to be denied. 
He is weighed down by a load of guilt, and almost over- 
whelmed by the sense of his unvvorlhiness. But all this 
ought in fairness to be charged to the account of his past sins, 
and not to that of his present repentance. It rarely happens, 
however, that this state of suffering continues very long. 
When the mental gloom is the blackest, a ray of heavenly 
light occasionally breaks in, and suggests the hope of better 
days. Even in this life it is found an universal truth, that 
' they that sow in tears,' provided they be really tears of pen- 
itence and contrition, ' shall reap in joy.' * The broken and 
contrite heart God never did, nor ever will, despise.' 

Neither, when we maintain, that the ways of religion are 
ways of pleasantness, do we mean to deny that the Chris- 
tian's internal state is, through the whole of his life, a state 
of discipline and warfare. Several of the causes which con- 
tribute to render it such, have been already pointed out, to- 
gether with the workings of his mind in relation to them : 
but if he has solicitudes and griefs peculiar to himself, he 
has * joys also with which a stranger intermeddles not.' 

' Drink deep,' however, * or taste not,' is a direction full 
as applicable to religion, if we would find it a source of 
pleasure, as it is to knowledge. A little religion, is, it 
must be confessed, apt to make men gloomy, as a little 
knowledge is to render them vain : hence the unjust imputa- 
tion often brought upon religion by those, whose degree of 
religion is just sufficient, by condemning their course of con- 
duct, to render them uneasy ; enough merely to impair the 
sweetness of the pleasures of sin, and not enough to com- 
pensate for the relinquishment of them by its own peculiar 
comforts. Thus these men bring up, as it were, an ill report 
of that land of promise, which, in truth, abounds with what- 
ever in our journey through life, can best refresh and 
strengthen us. 

We have enumerated some sources of pleasure which 
men of the world may understand, and must acknowledge 
to belong to the true Christian ; but there are others, and 
those of a still higher class, to which they must confess them- 
selves strangers. To say nothing of a qualified, I dare not 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 301 

say an entire, exemption from those distracting passions and 
corroding cares, by which they must naturally be harrassed, 
whose treasure is within the reach of mortal accidents ; the 
Christian has a humble quiet-giving hope of being reconciled 
to God, and of enjoying his favor ; he has a solid peace of 
mind, (which the world can neither give nor take away,) 
resulting from a firm confidence in the infinite wisdom and 
goodness of God, and in the unceasing care and kindness of 
a gracious Saviour ; and he has persuasion of the truth of 
the divine assurance, that all things shall work together for 
his good. 

When the pulse indeed beats high, and we are flushed with 
youth, and health, and vigor ; when all goes on prosper- 
ously, and success seems almost to anticipate our wishes ; 
then we feel not the want of the consolations of religion : 
but when fortune frowns, or friends forsake us ; when sor- 
row, or sickness, or old age, comes upon us, then it is, that 
the superiority of the pleasures of religion is established over 
those of dissipation and vanity, which are ever apt to fly 
from us when we are most in want of their aid. There is 
scarcely a more melancholy sight to a considerate mind, 
than that of an old man, who is a stranger to those only true 
sources of satisfaction. How affecting, and at the same time 
how disgusting, it is to see such an one awkwardly catching 
at the pleasures of his younger years, which are now beyond 
his reach ; or feebly attempting to retain them, while they 
mock his endeavors and elude his grasp ! To such an one, 
gloomily indeed does the evening of life set in ! All is sour 
and cheerless. He can neither look backward with compla- 
cency, nor forward with hope ; while the aged Christian, re- 
lying on the assured mercy of his Redeemer can calmly re- 
flect, that his dismission is at hand, and that his redemption 
draweth nigh : while his strength declines, and his faculties 
decay, he can quietly repose himself on the fidelity of God ; 
and at the very entrance of the valley of the shadow of 
death, he can lift up an eye, dim perhaps, and feeble, yet occa- 
sionally sparkling with hope, and confidently looking forward 
to the near possession of his heavenly inheritance, even * to 
those joys which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither 
hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive.' 

Never were there times which inculcated more forcibly, 
than those in which we live, the wisdom of seeking a hap- 
piness beyond the reach of human vicissitudes. What strik- 
ing lessons have we had of the precarious tenure of all sub- 
lunary possessions ! Wealth, and power, and prosperity, how 
26 



302 PRACTICAL VIEW 

peculiarly transitory and uncertain ! But religion dispenses 
her choicest cordials in the seasons of exigence, in poverty, 
in exile, in sickness, and in death. The essential superi- 
ority (jf that support which is derived from religion is less 
felt, at least it is less apparent, when the Christian is in full 
possession of riches, and splendor, and rank, and all the 
gifts of nature and fortune. But when all these are swept 
away by the rude hand of time, or the rough blast of adver- 
sity, the true Christian stands, like the glory of the forest, 
erect and vigorous ; stripped indeed of his sunrimer foliage, 
but more than ever discovering to the observing eye the 
solid strength of his substantial texture : 

Pondere fixa suo est, nudosque per aCna ramos 
AtloUens, trurico non frondibus cfficit umbram. 



Sect. II. 

Advice io some who profess their full ^sse7it to ihefundamenial 
Doctrines of ike Gospel. 

In a former chapter, we largely insisted on what may be 
termed the fundamental practical error of the bulk of profes- 
sed Christians in our days ; their either overlooking or mis- 
conceiving the peculiar method which the Gospel has pro- 
vided for the renovation of our corrupted nature, and for the 
attainment of every Christian grace. 

But there are mistakes on the right hand and on the left ; 
and our general proneness, when w^e are flying from one ex- 
treme to run into an opposite error, renders it necessary to 
superadd another admonition. The generally prevailing er- 
ror of the present day indeed is that fundamental one which 
has been already pointed out. But while we attend, in tlie 
first place, to that, and, on the warrant both of Scripture 
and experience, prescribe hearty repentance and lively faith, 
as the only foundation of all true holiness ; we must at the 
same time guard against a practical mistake of another kind. 
They who, with penitent hearts, have humbled themselves 
before the cross of Christ, and who, pleading his merits as 
their only ground of pardon and acceptance with God, have 
resolved henceforth, through the help of his Spirit, to bring 
forth the fruits of righteousness, are sometimes apt to con- 
duct themselves as if they considered their work as now 
done ; or at least, as if this were the w hole they had to do, 
as often as, by falling afresh into sin, another act of repcA- 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 303 

tance and faith may seem to have become necessary. There 
are not a few in our relaxed age, who thus satisfy themselves 
with what may be termed general Christianity ; who feel 
general penitence and humihation from a sense of their sin- 
fuhioss in general, and general desires of universal holiness; 
but who neglect that vigilant and jealous care, with which 
they should labor to extirpate every particular corruption, by 
studying: its nature, its root, its ramifications, and thus be- 
coming acquainted with its secret movements, wiih the 
means whereby it gains strength, and with the most effectual 
methods of resisting it. In like manner, they are far Irom 
striving with persevering alacrity, for the acquisition and im- 
provement of every Christian grace. Nor is it unusual for 
ministers, who preaclr the truths of the Gospel with fidel- 
ity, ability, and success, to be themselves also liable to the 
charge of dwelling altogether in their instructions on this 
general religion : instead of tracing and laying open all the 
secret motions of inward corruption, and instructing their 
hearers how l>est to conduct tiiemselves in every distinct 
part of the Christian warfare; how best to strive against 
each particular vice, and to cultivate each grace of the Chris- 
tian character. Hence it is that in too many persons, con- 
cerning the sincerity of whose general profession's of religion 
we should be sorry to entertain a doubt, we yet see little 
progress made in the regulation of their tempers, in the im- 
provement of their time, in the reform of their plan of lite or in 
ability to resist the teniptation to which they are particularly 
exposed. They will confess themselves, in general terms, to 
be ' miserable sinners :' this is a tenet of their creed, and 
they feel even proud in avowing it. They will occasion- 
ally also lament particular failings : but this confession is 
sometimes obviously made, in order to draw forth a compli- 
ment for the very opposite virtue : and where this is not the 
case, it is often not difficult to detect, under this false guise 
of contrition, a secret self-complacency, arising t>om the 
manifestations which they have afforded of their acuteness 
or candor in discovering the infirmity in question, or of their 
frankness or humility in acknowledging it. This will scarce- 
ly seem an illiberal suspicion to any one who either watches 
the workings of his own heart, or who observes that the 
faults confessed in these instances are very seldom those, 
with which the person is most clearly and strongly charge- 
able. 

We must plainly warn these men, and the consideration 
is seriously pressed on their instructors also, that they are in 



304 PRACTICAL VIEW 

danger of deceiving themselves. Let them beware lest they 
be nominal Christians of another sort. These persons re- 
quire to be reminded, that there is no short, compendious 
method of holiness ; but that it must be the buhiness of their 
whole lives to grow in grace, and, continually adding one 
virtue to another, as far as possible, ' to go on towards per- 
fection.' ' He only that doeth righteousness is righteous.' 
Unless ' they bring forth the fruits of the Spirit,' they can 
have no sufficient evidence that they have received that 
* Spiritof Christ," without which they are none of his.' But 
where, on the whole, our unwillingness to pass an unfavora- 
ble judgment may lead us to indulge a hope, that * the root of 
the matter is found in them ;' yet we must at least declare to 
them, that, instead of adorning the doctrine of Christ, they 
disparage and discredit it. The world sees not their secret 
humiliation, nor the exercises of their closets ; but it is acute 
in discerning practical weaknesses ; and if it observe that 
they have the same eagerness in the pursuit of wealth or am- 
bition, the same vain taste for ostentation and display, the 
same ungoverned tempers, which are found in the generality 
of mankind; it will treat with contempt their pretences to 
superior sanctity and indifference to worldly things, and will 
be hardened in its prejudices against the only mode, which 
God has provided for our escaping the wrath to come, and 
obtaining eternal happiness. 

Let him, then, who would be indeed a Christian, watch 
over his ways and over his heart with unceasing circumspec- 
tion. Let him endeavor to learn, both from men and books, 
particularly from the lives of eminent Christians,'*' what 
methods have been actually found most effectual for the 
conquest of every particular vice and for improvement in 

* It may not be amiss to mention a few useful publications of this 
sort. Walton's Lives, particularly the last edition by Mr. Zouch ; 
Gilpin's Lives ; the Lives of Bishop Bedel and Bishop Bull ; of 
Archbishop Usher ; Fell's Life of Hammond ; Archdeacon Hamil- 
ton's Life of Mr. Bonnell, Accomptant General of Ireland, recom- 
mended by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Bishops of Meath, Derry, 
Limerick, Clogher, and Downe ; some extracts from Burnet of the 
Life of the incomparable Leighton, prefixed to a volume of the lat- 
ter's Sermons ; Passages of the Life of Lord Rochester, by Burnet ; 
the life of Sir Matthew Hale; of the excellent Doddridge, by Orton ; 
of Henry, father and son ; of Mather ; of Halyburton ; Hanson's and 
Whitehead's life of Wesley; Life of Baxter, by himself; the Life 
of the Rev. Thomas Scott, lately published by his son ; the Lives of 
the Rev. David Brown of Calcutta ; of the Rev. Dr. Buchanan and 
Henry Martyn j of Col. Gardiner, of Gov. Melville, &c. &c. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 306 

every branch of holiness. Thus, whilst he studies his own 
character, and observes the most secret workings of his own 
mind, and of our common nature ; the knowledge which he 
will acquire of the human heart in general, and especially of 
his own, will be of the highest utility, in enabling him to 
avoid or to guard against the occasions of evil : and it will 
also tend, above alllhings, to the growth of humility, and to 
the maintenance of that sobriety of spirit and tenderness of 
conscience, which are eminently characteristic of the true 
Christian. It is by this unceasing diligence, as the Apostle 
declares, that the servants of Christ must make their calling 
sure : and it is by this only that their labor will ultimately 
succeed : for 'so an entran e shall be ministered unto them 
abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
♦Saviour Jesus Christ.' 



Sect. III. 

Brief Observations addressed to Sceptics and Unitarians, 

There is another class of men, an increasing class, it is to 
be feared, in this country, that of absolute unbelievers, with 
which this little work has properly no concern : but may 
the writer, sincerely pitying their melancholy state, be per- 
mitted to ask them one plain question? If Christianity be 
not in their estimation true, yet is there not at least a pre- 
sumption in its favor, sufficient to entitle it to a serious ex- 
amination ; from its having been embraced, (and that not 
blindly and inplicitly, but upon full inquiry and defp con- 
sideration,) by Bacon and Milton, and Locke and Newton, 
and much the greater part of those, who, by the reach of 
their understandings, or the extent of their knowledge, and 
by the freedom too of their minds, and their daring to com- 
bat existing prejudices, have called forth the respect and 
aJmiralion of mankind ? It might be deemed scaicely fair to 
insist on Churchmen, though some of them are among the 
greatest names this country has ever known. Can the 
sceptic in general say with truth, that he has either prosecu- 
ted an examination into the evidences of revelation at all, or 
at least with a seriousness and diligence in any degree pro- 
portioned to the iinportance of the subject ? The fact is, and 
it is a fact which redounds to the honor of Christianity, 
that infidelity is not the result of sober inquiry and deliberate 
preference. It is rather the slow production of a careless 
and irreligious life, operating together with prejudices and 
26* 



30<J i»ilACTICAL V1E\^ 

erroneous conceptions concerning the nature qt the leading 
doctrines and fundamental tenets of Christianity. 

Progress of Infidelity, — Take the case of young men of 
condition, bred up by what we have termed nominal Chris- 
tians. When children, they are carried to church, and thence 
they become acquainted with such parts of Scripture as are 
contained in our public service. If their parents preserve 
still more of the customs of better times, they are taught 
their catechism, and furnished with a little farther religious 
knowledge. After a while, they go from under the eyes of 
their parents ; they enter into the world, and move forward 
in the path of life, whatever it may be, which has been as- 
signed to them. They yield to the temptations which assail 
them, and become more or less dissipated and licentious. 
At least they neglect to look into their Bible ; they do not 
enlarge the sphere of their religious acquisitions ; they do not 
even endeavor, by reflection and study, to mature their 
knowledge, or to turn into rational conviction the opinions, 
which in their childhood they had taken upon trust. 

They travel perhaps into foreign countries ; a proceeding 
which naturally tends to weaken their nursery prejudice in 
favor of the religion in which they were bred, and, by 
removing them from all means of public worship, to relax 
their practical habits of religion. They return home, and 
commonly are either hurried round in the vortex of dissipa- 
tion, or engage with the ardor of youthful minds in some 
public or professional pursuit. If they read or hear any 
thing about Christianity, it is commonly only about those 
tenets which are subjects of controversy ; and what reaches 
their ears from their occasional attendance at church, 
though it may sometimes impress them with an idea of the 
purity of Christian morality< contains much, which, coming 
thus detachedj perplexes and offends them, and suggests 
various doubts and startling objections, which a farther ac- 
quaintance with the Scripture would remove. Thus know- 
ing Christianity chiefly by the difliculties it contains ; and 
sometimes tempted by the ambition of showing themselves 
superior to Vulgar prejudice, or prompted by the natural 
pride of the human heart to cast off their subjection to dog- 
mas imposed on them ; disgusted too, perhaps, by the im- 
moral lives of some professed Christians, by the weaknesses 
and absurdities of others, and by what they observe to be 
the implicit belief of numbers whom they see and know to 
be equally ignorant with themselves ; they are filled with 



OF CHRISTIANITY, 307 

doubts and suspicions, which, to a greater or less extent, 
spring up within them. These doubts enter into the mind 
at first almost imperceptibly : they exist only as vague, indis- 
tinct surmises, and by no means take the precise shape or 
substance of a formed opinion At first, probably, they 
even ofl^end and startle by their intrusion: but by degrees 
the unpleasant sensations which they once excited wear 
off; and the mind grows more familiar with them. A con- 
fused sense (for such it is, rather than a formed idea) of its 
being desirable that their doubts should prove well-founded, 
and of the comfort and enlargement which would be afforded 
by that proof, lends them much secret aid. The impression 
becomes deeper ; not in consequence of being reinforced 
by fresh arguments, but merely by dint of having longer 
rested in the mind ; and as they increase in force, they creep 
on and extend themselves. At length they diffuse them- 
selves over the whole of religion, and possess the mind in 
undisturbed occupancy. 

It is by no means meant that this is universally the pro- 
cess. But, speaking generally, this might be termed, per- 
haps not unjustly, the natural history of scepticism. It ap- 
proves itself to the experience of those who have with any 
care watched the progress of infidelity in persons around 
them ; and it is confirmed by the written lives of some of 
the most eminent unbelievers. It is curious to read their 
own accounts of themselves, the rather as they accord so ex- 
actly with the result of our own observation. — We find that 
they once perhaps gave a sort of implicit hereditary assent 
to the truth of Christianity, and were what, by a mischievous 
perversion of language, the world denominates believers. 
How were they then awakened from their sleep of igno- 
rance ? At what moment did the light of truth beam in upon 
them, and dissipate the darkness in which they had been in- 
volved ? The period of their infidelity is marked by no such 
determinate boundary. Reason, and thought, and inquiry, 
had little or nothing to do with it. Having for many years 
lived careless and irreligious lives, and associated with com- 
panions equally careless and irreligious ; not by force of 
study and reflection, but rather by the lapse of time, they 
at length attained to their infidel maturity. It is worthy of 
remark, that where any are reclaimed from infidelity, it is 
generally by a process much more rational than that which 
has been here described. Something awakens them to re- 
flection. They examine, they consider, and at length yield 



308 1»RACTICAL VIEW 

their assent to Christianity on what they deem sufficient 
grounds. 

From the account here given, it appears plainly that infi- 
delity is generally the offspring of prejudice, and that its suc- 
cess is chiefly to be ascribed to the depravity of the moral 
character. This fact is confirmed by the undeniable truth, 
that in societies, which consist of individuals, infidelity is 
the natural fruit, not so much of a studious and disputatious, 
as of a dissipated and vicious age. It diffuses itself in pro- 
portion as the general morals decline ; and it is embraced 
with less apprehension, when every infidel is kept in spirits, 
by seeing many around him who are sharing fortunes with 
himself. 

To any fair mind this consideration alone might be offered 
as suggesting a strong argument against infidelity, and in 
favor of revelation. And the friends of Christianity might 
justly retort the charge, which their opponents often urge 
with no little affectation of superior wisdom ; that we impli- 
citly surrender ourselves to tha influence of prejudice, in- 
stead of examining dispassionately the ground of our faith, 
and yielding our assent only according to the degree of 
evidence. 

In our own days, when it is but too clear that infidelity 
increases, it is not in consequence of the reasonings of the 
infidel writers having been much studied, but from the 
progress of luxury, and the decay of morals : and, so far as 
tliis increase may be traced at all to the works of sceptical 
writers, it has been produced, not by argument and discus- 
sion, but by sarcasms and points of wit which have operated 
on weak minds, or on nominal Christians, by bringing 
gradually into contempt opinions, which, in their case, had 
only rested on the basis of blind respect and the prejudices 
of education. It may therefore be laid down as an axiom, 
that infidelity is in general a disease of the heart more than 
of the understanduig. If revelation were assailed only by 
reason and argument, it would have little to fear. The liter- 
ary opposers of Christianity, from Herbert to Hume, have 
been seldom read. They made some stir in their day : during 
their span of existence they were noisy and noxious ; but, 
like the locusts of the €ast, which for a while obscure the air, 
and destroy the verdure, they were soon swept away and 
forgotten. Their \eiy names would be scarcely found, if 
Leland had not preserved them from oblivion. 

Unitarians. — The account which has been given of the 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 309 

secret but grand source of infidelity, may perhaps justly be 
extended to those also who deny the fundamental doctrines 
of the Gospel. 

In the course which we lately traced from nominal ortho- 
doxy to absolute infidelity, Unitarianism* is, indeed, a sort of 
half-way house, if the expression may be pardoned ; a stage 
on the journey, where sometimes a person indeed finally 
stops, but where, not unfrequently, he only pauses for a 
while, and then pursues his progress. 

The Unitarian teachers by no means profess to absolve 
their followers from the unbending strictness of Christian 
morality. They prescribe the predominant love of God, and 
an habitual spirit of devotion ; but it is an unquestionable fact, 
a fact which they themselves almost admit, that this class of 
religionists is not in general distinguished for superior purity 
of life ; and still less for that spirit^uality of mind, which the 
word of God prescribes to us, as one of the surest tests of 
our experiencing the vital power of Christianity. On the 
contrary, in point of fact, Unitarianism seems to be resorted 
to, not merely by those who are disgusted with the peculiar 
doctrines of Christianity, but by those also who are seeking 
a refuge from the strictness of her practical precepts ; and 
who, more particularly, would escape from the obligation 
which she imposes on her adherents, rather to incur the 
dreaded charge of singularity, than fall in with the declining 
manners of a dissipated age. 

Advantage possessed by Deists and XJnitarians^ in contend- 
ing with their opponents. — Unitarianism, where it may be 
supposed to proceed from the understanding rather th in from 
the heart, is not unfrequently produced by a confused idea of 
the difficulties, or, as they are termed, the iiupossibilities, 
which orthodox Christianity is supposed to involve. It is not 
our intention to enter into the controversy :f but it may not 



* The author is aware, that he may perhaps be censured for con- 
ceding this term to the class of persons now in question, since ortho- 
dox Christians equally contend for the unity of the Divine Nature : 
and it perhaps may hardly be a sufficient excuse, that, it not being 
his object particularly to refute the err-irs of Unitarianism, he uses 
the term in its popular sense, rather than give needless offence. He 
thus guards, however, against any false construction being drawn 
from his use of it. 

t The author of this treatise has, since its completion, perused a 
work entitled, Calvinism and Socinianism compared, by A Fuller, 
&c. and, without reference to the peculiarities of Calvinism, he is 



810 PRACTICAL VIEW 

be improper to make one remark as a guard to persona in 
whose way the arguments of the Unitarians may be likely to 
fall ; namely, that one great advantage possessed by Deists, 
and perhaps in a still greater degree by Unitarians, in their 
warfare with the Christian system, results from the very cir- 
cumstance of their being the assailants. They urge what 
they state to be powerful arguments against the truth of the 
fundamental doctrines of Christianity, and then call upon 
men to abandon them as posts no longer tenable. But 
they who are disposed to yield to this assault, should call to 
mind, that it has pleased God so to establish the constitu- 
tion of all things, that perplexuig difficulties and plausible 
objections may be adduced against the most established 
truths; such, for instance, as the being of a God, and many 
others both physical and moral. In all cases therefore it 
becomes us, .not on a partial view to reject any proposition, 
because it is attended with dificulius; but to conipare the 
difficulties which it involves, wiih those which attend the 
alternative proposition which must be embraced on its re- 
jection. We should put to the proof the alternative proposi- 
tion in its turn, and see whether it be not still less tenable 
than that which we are summoned to abandon. In short, 
we should examine circumspectly on all sides ; and abide by 
that opinion which, on carefully balancing all ccjnsic'erations, 
appears fairly entitled to our preference. Experience, how- 
ever, will have convinced the attentive observer of those 
around him, that it has been for want of adverting to this 
just and obvious principle, that the Unitarians in particular 
have gained most of their proselytes from the church, so far 
as argument has contributed to their success. If the Unita- 
tians, or even the Deists, were considered in their turn as 
misters of the field, and were in their turn attacked, both by 
arguments tending to disprove their system directly, and to 
disprove it indirectly, (by showing the high probability of 
the truth of Christianity, and of its leading and peculiar doc- 
trines.) it is most hkely that they would soon be found 
wholly unable to keep their ground. In short, reasoning 
fairly, there is no medium between absolute Pyrrhonism 
and true Christianity ; and if we reject the latter on account 
of its difficulties, we shall be still more loudly called upon to 

happy to embrace this opportunity of confessing the high obligation 
which, in con mon with all the friends of true religion, he owes to the 
author of that highly valuable publication, for his masterly defence 
of the doctrines of Christianity, and his acute refutation of the oppo- 
site errors. 



of CHRISTIANITY. 311 

reject every other system which has been offered to the ac- 
ceptance of mankind. This consideration might perhaps 
with advantage be more attended to than it has been, by 
those who take upon them to vindicate the truth of our holy 
religion ; as many who, from inconsideration, or any other 
cause, are disposed to give up the great fundamentals of 
Christianity, would be startled by the idea, that, on the same 
principle on which they did this, they must give up the hope 
of finding any rest for the sole of their foot on any ground of 
religion, and not stop short of unqualified Athtism. 

Half- Unbelievers, — Besides the class of those who profes- 
sedly reject Revelation, there is another, and that also, it is to 
be feared, an increasing one, which may be called the class of 
half-unbelievers, who are to be found in various degrees of 
approximation to a state of absolute infidelity. The system 
(if it deserve the name) of these men is grossly irrational. 
Hearing many who assert, and many who deny, the truth of 
Christianity, and not reflecting seriously enough to consider 
that it must be either true or false, they take up a strange sort 
of middle opinion of its qualified truth. They conceive that 
there must be something in it, though by no means to the 
extent to which it is pushed by orthodox Christians. They 
grant the reality of future punishment, and even that they 
themselves, if grossly immoral, cannot altogether expect to 
escape it ; yet, *' they trust it will not go so hard with them 
as the churchmen state :" and, though disbelieving almost 
every material doctrine which Christianity contains, they 
by no means conceive themselves to be enlisted under the 
banners of infidelity, or to have much cause for apprehension 
respecting the final issue of their doubts. 

But let these men be reminded, that there is no middle 
way. If they can be prevailed on to look into their Bible, 
and do not make up their minds absolutely to reject its 
authority, they must adnjit, that there is no ground what- 
ever for this vain hope, v/hich they suffer themselves to in- 
dulge, of escaping but with a slight measure of punishment. 
Nor let them think their guilt inconsiderable. Is it not 
grossly criminal to trifle with the long- suffering of God, to 
despise alike his invitations and his threatenings, and the 
ofler of his Spirit, and the precious blood of the Redeemer? 
Sure we are that this is the Scripture estimate of their 
conduct : ' How shall we escape if we neglect so great sal- 
vation ]' ' It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomor- 
rah, in the day of judgment,' than for them, who volunta- 
rily shut their eyes against that full light, which the boun- 



312 PRACTICAL VIEW 

ty of heaven has poured out upon them. These half-unbe- 
lievers, are even more reprehensible than downright scep- 
tics, for remaining in this state of careless uncertainty, with- 
out endeavoring to ascertain the truth or falsehood of reve- 
lation. The probability which they admit, that it may be 
true, imposes on them an additional and an undeniable ob- 
ligation to inquiry. But both to them and to decided 
sceptics it must be plainly declared, that they are in these 
days less excusable than ever, for not looking into the 
grounds and proofs on which the truth of Christianity 
is established : for never before were these proofs so plainly, 
and at so easy a rate, offered to the consideration of man- 
kind. Through the bounty of Providence, the widely 
spreading poison of infidelity has in our days been opposed 
by more numerous and more powerful antidotes. One 
of these has been already pointed out : and it should be 
matter of farther gratitude to every real Christian, that in the 
very place on which modern infidelity had displayed the 
standard of victory, a warrior in the service of religion, a man 
of the most acute discernment and profound research, has 
been raised up by Providence to quell their triumph.* He 
was soon taken from us ; but happily for him and for our- 
selves, not till he had announced, that, like the Magi of old, 
he had seen the star of Christ in the East, and had fallen 
down and worshipped him. Another should be mentioned 
with honor, who is pursuing the track which that great man 
had pointed out.^ Henceforth let all objectors against 
Christianity, on the ground of its being disproved by the 
oriental records, be put to silence. The strength of their 
cause consisted in their ignorance, and in our own, of orien- 
tal learning. They availed themselves for a while of our 
being in a state of darkness ; but the light of day has at 
length broken in upon us, and exposed to deserved con- 
tempt their superficial speculations. 

The infatuation of these unbelievers would be less strik- 
ing, if they were able altogether to decline Christianity ; and 
were at liberty to relinquish their pretensions to its rewards, 
on condition of being exempted from its pun.shments. But 

♦ It is almost superfluous to state, that Sir William Jones is here 
meant, who, from the testimony borne to his extraordinary talents 
by Sir John Shore (now Lord Teignmouth) in-'his first address to 
the Asiatic Society of Calcutta, appears to have been a man of most 
extraordinary genius and astonishing erudition. 

■\ Mr. Maurice. 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 313 

that is not the case ; they must stand the risk of the encoun- 
ter, and their eternal happiness or misery is suspended upon 
the issue.* What must be the emotions of these men, on 
first opening their eyes in the world of spirits, and being 
convinced, too late, of the awful reality of their impending 
ruin ? May the mercy and the power of God awaken them 
from their desperate slumber^ while life is yet spared, and 
there is yet space for repentance ! 



Sect. IV. 

Jldvice suggested by the state of the times to t^me Christians, 

To those who really deserve the appellation of true Chris- 
tians, much has been said incidentally in the course of the 
present work. It has been maintained (and the proposition 
will not be disputed by any sound or experienced politician,) 
that they are always most important members of the com- 
munity. But we may boldly assert, that there never was a 
period, wherein, more justly than in the present, this could 
be affirmed of them ; whether the situation of our own coun- 
try, in all its circumstances, be considered, or the general 
state of society in Europe. Let them on their part seriously 
weigh the important stations which they fill, and the various 
duties which it now peculiarly enforces on them. If we 
consult the most intelligent accounts of foreign countries 
which have been recently published, and compare them with 
the reports of former travellers, we must be convinced, that 
religion and the standard of morals are every where declin- 
ing, abroad even more rapidly than in our own country. 
But still, the progress of irreligion, and the decay of morals 
at home, are such as to alarm every considerate mind, and 
to forebode the worst of consequences, unless some remedy 
can be applied to the growing evil. We can depend only 
upon true Christians for effecting, in any degree, this impor- 
tant service. Their system is that of our national church : 
in proportion therefore as their system prevails, or as it in- 
creases in respect and estimation from the manifest good 
conduct of its followers, in that very proportion the church 



* This argument is pressed with uncommon force in Pascal's 
Thoughts on Religion ; a work highly valuable, though not in every 
part to be approved, abounding in particular with those deep views 
of religion which the name of its author prepares us to expect, 

27 



314 PRACTICAL VIEW 

is strengthened in the foundations, on which nlone it can be 
supported, the esteem and attachment of its members and of 
the nation at large. Zeal is required in the cause of reli- 
gion ; and they only can feel it. The charge of singularity 
must be incurred: and they only will dare to encounter it. 
Uniformity of conduct, and perseverance in exeriion, will be 
requisite ; but among no others can we look for those quali- 
ties. 

Let true Christians, then, with becoming earnestness, 
strive in all things to recommend their profession, and to put 
to silence the vain scoffs of ignorant objeclors. Let them 
boldly assert the cause of Christ in an age when so many 
who bear the name of Christians are ashamed of Him : and 
let them consider as devolved on them the important duty of 
serving, it may be of saving, their country, not by busy inter- 
ference in politics (in which it cannot but be confessed there 
is much uncertainty) ; but rather by that sure and radical 
benefit of restoring the influence of religion, and of raising 
the standard of morality. 

Let them be active, useful, generous towards others ; 
manifestly moderate and self-denying in themselves. Let 
them be ashamed of idleness, as they would be of the most 
acknowledged sin. When Providence blesses them with 
affluence, let them withdraw from the competition of vani- 
ty : and, without sordidness or absurdity, show by their 
modest demeanor, and by their retiring from display, that, 
without affecting singularity, they are not slaves to fashion ; 
that they consider it as their duty to set an example of mode- 
ration and sobriety, and to reserve for nobler and more dis- 
interested purposes, that money, which others selfishly waste 
in parade, and dress, and equipage. Let them evince, in 
short, a manifest moderation in all temporal things ; as be- 
comes those whose affections are set on higher objects than 
any which this world affords, and those who possess within 
their own bosoms a fund of satisfaction and comfoit, which 
the world seeks in vanity and dissipation. Let them culti- 
vate a catholic spirit of universal good- will, and of amicable 
fellowship towards all those, of whatever sect or denomina- 
tion, who, differing from them in non-essentials, agree with 
them in the grand fundamentals of religion. Let them coun- 
tenance men of real piety wherever they are found ; and en- 
courage in others every attempt to repress the progress of 
vice, and to revive and diffuse the influence of religion and 
virtue. Let their earnest prayers be constantly offered, that 
such endeavors may be successful, and that the abused long- 



OF CHRISTIANITY. 316 

suffering of God may still continue to us the invaluable privi- 
lege of vital Christianity. 

Let them pray continually for their country in this season 
of national difficulty. We bear upon us but too plainly the 
marks of a declining empire. Who can say but that the 
Governor of the universe, who declares himself to be a God 
who hears the prayers of his servants, may, in answer to 
their intercessions, for a while avert our ruin, and continue 
to us the fulness of those temporal blessings, which in 
such abundant measure we have hitherto enjoyed.* Men 
of the world, indeed, however they may admit the opera- 
tion of natural causes, and may therefore confess the effects 
of religion and morality in promoting the well-being of the 
community ; may yet, according to their humor, with a 
smile of complacent pity, or a sneer of supercilious con- 
tempt, read of the service which real Christians may render 
to their country, by conciliating the favor and calling down 
the blessing of Providence. It may appear in their eyes 
an instance of the same superstitious weakness, as that 
which prompts the terrified inhabitant of Sicily to bring forth 
the image of hi^ tutelar saint in order to stop the destructive 
ravages of iEtna. We are however sure, if we believe the 
Scripture, that God will be disposed to favor the nation to 
which his servants belong ; and that, in fact, such as they 
have often been the unknown and unhonored instruments of 
drawing down on their country the blessings of safety and 
prosperity. 

But it would be an instance in myself of that very false 
shame which I have condemned in others, if I were not boldly 
to avow my firm persuasion, that to the decline of Religion 
and JWorality our national difficulties must both directly and 
indirectly be chiefly ascribed ; and that my only solid hopes 
for the ivell-being of my country depend, not so much on her 
fleets and armies, not so much on the wisdom of her rulers, or 
the spirit of her people, as on the persuasion, that she still 
contains many, ivho love and obey the Gospel of Christ ; that 
their intercessions may yet prevail; that for the sake of these, 
heaven may still look upon us with an eye of favor. 

Let the prayers of the Christian reader be also offered 
up for the success of this feeble endeavor in the service of 
true religion. God can give effect to the weakest effort ; 
and the writer will feel himself most highly honored, if, by 

* Vide some exquisitely beautiful lines in the last book of Cowper's 
Task, whei-ein the sentiment is introduced. 



316 PRACtlCAL VIEW, &€• 

any thing which he has written, a single fellow-creature 
should be awakened from a false security ; or a single Chris- 
tian, who deserves the name, be animated to more extensive 
usefulness. He may seem to have assumed to himself a 
task which he was ill qualified to execute. He fears he 
may be reproached with arrogance and presumption for ta- 
king upon him the office of a teacher. Yet, as he formerly 
suggested, it cannot be denied, that it belongs to his public 
situation to investigate the state of the national religion 
and morals ; and that it is the part of a real patriot to 
endeavor to retard their decline, and promote their revivaL 
But if the office in which he has been engiged, were 
less intimately connected with the duties of his particular 
station, the candid and the liberal mmd would not be in- 
disposed to pardon him. Let him be allowed to offi^r in his 
excuse a desire, not only to discharge a duty to his country, 
but to acquit himself of what he deems a solemn and in- 
dispensable obligation to his acquaintance and friends. Let 
him allege the unaffected solicitude which he feels for the 
welfare of his fellow-creatures. Let him urge the fond wish 
he gladly would encourage, that while in so large a part of 
Europe a false philosophy has been preferred before the 
lessons of Revelation ; while Infidelity has lifted up her 
head without shame, and walked abroad boldly and in the 
face of day ; while the practical consequences are such as 
might be expected, and licentiousness and vice prevail with- 
out restraint ; here at least there might be a sanctuary, a 
land of religion and piety, where the blessings of Chris- 
tianity might still be enjoyed; where the name of the Re- 
deemer might still he honored ; where mankind might be 
able to see what is, in truth, the religion of Jesus, and what 
are its blessed effects ; and whence, if the mercy of God 
should so ordain it, the means of religious instruction and 
consolation might be again extended to surrounding coun» 
tries and to the world at large. 



INDEX. 



Abuse of things, unfairness of arguin^; from it against their use, U I. 
Acceptance with God, commonly prevailing notions respecting it, 132 
—134. 

Scripture, and Church of England, doctrine respecting it, 135— 
137. 

practical consequences, of common notions respecting it, 135. 

true doctrine vindicated from objection, 138. 
Addison, quoted, 186. 
Affections, of their admission into religion, 113. 

their admission into religion reasonable, 113 — 117. 

true test and measure of them in religion, 117 — 119. 

in religion, not barely allowable, but highly necessary, 119-122. 

our Saviour the just object of them, 122. 

objection that they are impossible towards an invisible Being dis- 
cussed, 122—128. 

little excited by publia misfortunes, and why, 126. 

towards our Saviour, special grounds for them, 127. 

divine aid promised f )r exciting them, 127, 128. 

our statements respecting them in religion, verified by facts, 129, 
130. 

religious, St. Paul a striking instance of them, 116. 
^5 /i6i(io?i, vo'aries of, 116. 
Amiable tempers, discussion respecting, 197 — 211, 

substituted for religion, 197, 198. 

value of, estimated by the standard of mere reason, 193. 

false pretenders to them, 199. 

real nature, when not grounded on religion, 199. 

precarious nature, 199 — 201. 

value of, on Christi in principles, 202, 203. 

life. Christian's most so, 205, 203. 

Christians urged to this, 203 — 209. 

its just praise, 209, 210. 

apt to deceive us, 2l0. 
ApplausCy desire of, universal, 175. 

B. 

Babington, the Reverend Matthew, 252, 
Benevolence, true Christian, its exalted nature, 271, 
Bacon, Lord, quoted, 231. 

C. 

Calumny, considerations vvhich reconcile the Christian to it, 139 — 192. 
Charity, true, what, and its mirks, 238. 

Qhristianity, vital, revival of would invigorate church estabUshment- 
276. 
vital, alone suited to lower orders, 276, 277. 
the common system, filsely so called, 283, 234. 
27* 



218 INDEX. 

Christianityf the truest patriotism, 271 — 275. 

of the world, its base nature, 296. 

not a gloomy service, 298 — 302. 

relaxations compatible with, 298, 299. 

its solid texture, 301, 302. 

general, what so called, 302 — 304. 

true, requires incessant watchfulness and care, 304. 

state in which it finds us, 95 — 97. 

its present critical circumstances, 256 — 261. 

reduced to a system of ethics, proofs of this, 261 — 264. 

causes which have tended to produce neglect of her peculiar doc- 
trines, 258, 259. 262, 263. 

peculiar doctrines of, taught by the oldest divines and highest 
dignitaries of the English Church, 261, 262. 

peculiar doctrines gradually fallen into neglect, 264. 

sad symptoms of its low state among us, 265, 266. 

objection, that our system of it too strict, stated and answered, 
266—268. 

vital, its happy influence on temporal well-being of communities, 
269. 

not hostile to patriotism, 270, 271. 

from its essential nature, peculiarly adapted to well-being of 
communities, 272 — 275. 

vital, can alone produce these effects, 275. 

excellence of it, in someparticulars not commonly noticed, 247 — 
252. 

general state of, in England, 254. 

its tendency to promote the well-being of political communities, 
254—271. 275, 276. 

has raised the general standard of practice, 256. 

sickens in prosperity, and flourishes under persecution, 256,257. 

peculiarities of, naturally slide into disuse, 259. 
Christians, true, duties especially incumbent on them in these times, 
314, 316. 

should pray for their country, 315. 

their prayers entreated for the success of this work, 316. 

ready made, who esteemed such, 292. 

real, how different from nominal, 222. 

life illustrated by figure of a traveller, 223, 224. 
CommonSy House of, proves inordinate love of worldly glory, 184. 
C<m$istency between Christianity's leading doctrines and practical 
precepts, 233—241. 

between Christianity's leading doctrines amongst each other, 247. 

between Chrislianity's practical precepts amongst each other, 
248—250. 
Contact, necessary to produce any interest in our aflfections, 124-128. 
Corruption of human nature, common notions of it, 84, 85. 

of human nature, Scripture account of it, 85 — 93, 94. 
Corruption of human nature, arguments suggested in proof of it, 85, 91 . 

of heathen world, and striking instance of it, 86, 87. 

of savage life, 88. 

proof of it, furnished by the state of the Christian world, 89 — 91. 

by the experience of the true Christian, 90, 91. 

human, its general effects when suffered to operate without re- 
straint, 92, 93. 



INDEX. 219 

Corruption^ human, firm grounds on which it rests, 98. 

human, practical uses of the doctrine, 98, 99. 
Cowper^s Task recommended, 234. 315. 
quoted, 246. 

D. 
Defective conceptions gen erally prevailing concerning importance of 
Christianity, 75—78. 

conceptions concerning human corruption, 84, 85. 
conceptions concerning the evil spirit, 94. 
conceptions concerning the doctrines which respect our Saviour 

and the Holy Spirit, 104—106. 
conceptions concerning the means of acceptance with God, 132 

—137. 
eonceptions prevailing concerning practical Christianity, 144 — 

147. 155—215. 
eonceptions of guilt and evil of sin, 216 — 218. 
fear of God, 218,219. 

sense of the difficulty of getting to heaven, 221, 222, 
love of God in nominal Christians, 224—226. 
love of God, proofs of it in nominal Christians, 225 — 228. 
conceptions general, concerning peculiar doctrines of Christianity, 

233. 
conceptions of peculiarities of Christianity, practical mischief 
from them, 233, 234. 
DepthSj of the things of God ; and our proneness to plunge into 

them, 103. 
Devotedness, to God, duty of it, 148—150. 152—155, 156. 
Dissipated and indolent, class of, 158, 159. 
Dissipation, seems to have prevailed in the antediluvian world, 220 

221. 
Doddridge^ s Sermons on regeneration, referred to, note, 131. 
Duelling^ its guilt, &c. 1 84. 

E. 

Error, innocence of, considered, 81 — 83, 

Establishment, religious, in England, how circumstanced, 257. 

Estimation, desire of, universal, 175. 

common language concerning it, the eifects of the love of it, and 
the nature of the passion, 176 — 178. 

commendations of it questioned, 178. 

essential defects of inordinate love of it, explained, 178 — 179, 

love of, Scripture lessons concerning, 179 — 181. 

value of, analogous to riches, 182. 

love of, common notions respecting it, 182, 183. 

proofs of our statements respecting it from House of Commons, 
183. 

proofs of our statements respecting it from duelling, 184, 185. 

real nature of inordinate love of it, 185 — 187. 

true Christian's conduct respecting love of it, 187 — 191. 

true modes of guarding against excessive love of it, 192 — 193. 

advice to the true Christian respecting love of it, 194 — 196. 

love of, best moderated by humility and charity, 195, 196. 

true Christian's temper respecting it, 196. 
Evil spirit, the existence and agency not contrary to reason, 94, 95, 
External actions substituted for habits of mind, 167, 168. 



220 INDEX. 

F. 

Faith, Christian's life, a life of, 169, 170. 
Families, two, the righteous and the wicked, 219, 220. 
Ferguson, the historian, 273. 

Fuller'' s Calvinism and Socinianism compared, note, 310. 
Fundamental practical distinction between systems of nominal and 
real Christians, 170, 179, 180. 

G. 

General tone of morals, Christianity has raised it, 145, 146. 

established by consent in every country, 253. 
Geneva, the effect of theatres, note, 227. 

Gloomy service, false charge that we make Christianity such, 297, 298. 
Glory, true and false, what properly so called, 178, 179. 

mistakes concerning it, 180. 
Good-hearted young- men, term misapplied, 286. 

young men, the title disproved, 290. 
Gratitude, true signs of, 108, 

H. 

Habits of mind forgotten in religion, 167 — 175. 
Heavenly-mindedness, best promoted by being much conversant witli 

peculiar doctrines of Christianity, 245. 
Holy Spirit, Scripture doctrine concerning, 104 — 130, 131. 

popular notions concerning, 108 — 109. 
Honor, false notions respecting it, 186. 
Home, Dr. quoted, 116. 
Humility, best enforced by peculiar doctrines of Christianity, 241. 

the ground of Christian graces, 242. 

excellent practical effects of, 195, 196. 

I. 

Ignorance of Christianity, common, 78. 

criminal, 79. 
Importance of Christianity, inadequate conceptions generally enter- 
tained of it, 75—84. 

of Christianity, proofs of the inadequate ideas generally enter- 
tained of it, 73—77. 

of Christianity, ideas of it given by the Holy Scriptures, 80 — 82, 

of Christianity, best enforced by peculiar doctrines of Chris- 
tianity, 238, 239. 
Inconsistency of world's practical system, 248, 249.' 
Indifference about Christianity, generally prevalent, 81. 

general towards our Saviour, proofs of, 106, 107, 
Infidelity, common progress of it, 306 — 309. 

a disease of the heart more than that of the understanding, 308. 
Innocent young women, term how misapplied, 286. 

young women, the title disproved, 290. 
Intellectual attainments, rated below moral by Christianity, 250 — 252. 

low degree of excellence within our reach, 251. 
Jones, Sir William, a champion for Christianity, 312. 

K. 
Kenyan^ Lord Chief Justice, commendations of, 281. 



INDEX. 221 

L. 

Language^ common, concerning the importance of Christianity, 77, 78, 

concerning human corruption, 84, 85. 

concerning affections towards our Saviour, and Holy Spirit's 
operations, 109, 1 10. 

concerning terms of acceptance with God, 132 — 134. 

concerning mode of relaxing the strictness of Christian precept, 
165—167. 

concerning human judicatures, 168. 

concerning amiable tempers and useful lives, 197. 
Learnings votaries of, 162. 
Lt/e, Cliristian, illustrated under figure of a traveller, -223, 

Christian's, a life of faith, 169 — 171. 
Liturgy^ bad effects to be feared from its disuse, 277, 278. 
Livesy several mentioned, 304. 
X.ove, true signs of it, 105, 106. 

of God, its essential characters, 149, 150. 

of Christ, justly to be expected of us, 122, 123. 127, 128. 

means of exciting it, 125, 126. 

of God, defective in nominal Christians, 224, 225. 

of God, proofs of its being defective, 226 — 228. 

of fellow-creatures, nominal Christians defective in, 228, 229. 

of fellow-creatures, true marks of, 229—231. 

of God, best enforced by Christianity's peculiarities, 240. 

Christians to cultivate this grace above all others, 296. 

its excellent effects in the true Christian, 296, 297. 

of fellow-creatures best enforced by peculiar doctrines, 241. 
Low standard of practice generally prevailmg, 145, 155 — 167. 
Lower classes, not unfit that true doctrine of acceptance should be 
stated to them, 138. 

M. 

M^Lauriiif his essays and sermons referred to, 131, 141, 142. 

Maurice^ Mr. a defender of Christianity, 313. 

MaximSj which prove human corruption, 90. 

Medium^ religious, almost lost, 164. 

Miltoriy quoted, 103. 

Moral attainments rated above intellectual by Christianity, 250. 

attainments, how much more we can excel in them than in in- 
tellectiial ones, 251, 252. 
Moravians^ commendation of, 113. t 

. ^- , . . 
J^Taiural condition of man without Christianity, 94 — 97, 

^aturCy essential, of true practical Christianity, 148. 

^"ecessity, excuse on the plea of, stated, and answered, 99 — 103. 
opponent on the ground of, how best opposed, 100. 

JS'^ominal and real Christian, distinction between them most impor- 
tant, 283, 284. 

JfovdSf prove how peculiarities of Christianity have fallen into neg- 
lect, 264, 265. 

O. 

Objections against the religious aflfections towards Christ, and against 
the operations of the Holy Spirit, 109, 1 10. 



222 INDEX. 

Objections against human accountableness, discussed, 99 — 103. 

against the religious affections towards Christ, and against the 
operations of the Holy Spirit, discussed, HI — 130. 
Outgrowing vices mistaken for forsaking them, 285—292, 
Owen, Dr. referred to, 257, 26.3. 

P. 

Pdey, Mr. his defence of Christianity noticed, 267. 

Partiality, in the religious views of nominal Christians, 156—1.58. 

Particular, Christians must not fear to be so when required by duty, 

188. 
PascaVs Thoughts referred to, 242. 

Thoughts recommended, 3 i 3. 
Peculiar, doctrines, use, in promoting humility, 241,242. 

in promoting moderation in earthly pursuits, 242, 243. 

in promoting cheerfulness in suffering, 244. 

in promoting confidence in danger, and patience in suffering, 244, 
245. 

in promoting heavenly-mindedness, 245. 

doctrines, demand our utmost attention, 139 — 141. 

doctrines, use of, 238. 

doctrines, use of, in enforcing importance of Christianity, 23S, 239. 

doctrines, use of, in enforcing entire surrender to God, 239. 

doctrines, use of, in enforcing guilt of sin, and dread of punish- 
ment, 239. 

in promoting love of God, 240. 

in promoting love of fellow-creatures, 241. 
Philosophy, epicurism and stoicism, LI 5. 
Pleasure, the true Christian finds in religion, 170, 171. 
Pleasures of true religion, 296 — 302. 

Policy, mistaken, of compromise with immorality, 279 — 281. 
Polished state of society no security against progress of immoralitv, 

278, 279. 
Political, good effects from the prevalence of Christianity, as above 
described, 269—277. 

good effects from revival of vital Christianity, 277. 

bad effects from its farther decline, 277, 278. 

happiness of a Christian nation, 269. 
Pomp and parade, votaries of, 160. 

Poor, the more favorably circumstanced as to religion, 138. 274, 275. 
Pope, the Poet, referred to, 1J43. 

PopM^arnotions concerning our Saviour and the Holy Spirit, 105, 106. 
Practical hints, on human corruption, 99. 

on mode of dealing with a certain description of infidels, 100, 101. 

on the means of exciting our affections towards our Saviour, 
142, 143. 

respecting love of estimation, 193—197. 

respecting amiable tempers and useful lives, 205, 206. 

to naturally sweet-tempered, 206. 

to naturally rough and austere, 207 — 209. 

to true Christian, when engaged in hurry of worldly affairs, 
211—214. 

to persons desirous of repenting, 235. 

respecting uses of peculiar doctrines of Christianity, 239 — 246. 

for revival of religion, 279 — 282. 



INDEX. 223 

Practical hints, to various descriptions, 2S3— 292. 

to such as, having been hitherto careless^ wish to become true 

Christians, 292—302. 
to some who profess their full assent to fundamental doctrines of 

Christianity, 302—305. 
to Sceptics and Unitarians, 305 — 311. 
to half-unbelievers, 311 — 313. 
to true Christians, from state of times, 313 — 317, 
Christianity, chapter on, 144 — 246. 
Christianity, prevailing low views of it, 144 — 147. 
Christianity, its real strictness, 147. 
its true nature, 148 — 150. 

charged on all, without exception, in its full strictness, 151, 154. 
mischiefs of neglect of peculiarities of Christianity, 233. 
distinction, fundamental, between systems of nominal and real 

Christians, 233 — 235. 
precepts of Christianity, most excellent, 252. 
use of peculiar doctrines of Christianity, 237, 238. 
Prevailing low views of practical Christianity, proofs of them, 145. 

inadequate sense of peculiar doctrines of Christians, 233. 
-Proo/ of Christianity's divin3 origin, 252 — 254. 
Puritans, many of their writings commended, 263. 

R. 
Religion, practical hints for its revival, 279 — 283. 

the only true support in trouble and peril, 302. 
Repentance, advice for such as are disposed to, 292 — 296. 
Reputation, true Christian's conduct respectingit, 186 — 197. 

true Christian preserves, without over- valuing it, 188 — 191. 
Richardson, mentioned, 265. 
Robertson, Dr. censured, 265. 
Rousseau, school of, 215. 

S. 
Scepticism, natural history of it, 306 — 308. 

Sceptics and Unitarians, advantages they have in attacking Chris- 
tianity, 310, 311. 
Scripture doctrine, importance of, to Christianity, 80, 81. 
doctrine concerning human corruption, 84 — 93. 
doctrine concerning Christ and the Holy Spirit, 104, 105. 
Self-deception, frequent sources of, 284 — 292. 

another common kind, 302 — 304. 
Self' examination, helps in, 284. 
Selfishness of common practical religion, 158 — 162. 
the disease of political societies, 271. 
peculiarly counteracted by Christianity, 274, 275. 
Sensibility, exquisite, how little truly valuable, and how different 

from true practical benevolence, 214, 215. 
Sensualists, cless of, 159, 160. 
Sin, how spoken of in Scripture, 219. 

defective conceptions of, 216, 217. 
Sincerity, false not on of, 81 — 83. 

true, what, 83. 
Sins, no little ones, 218. 

litte, what accounted such, 217. 
Smith, Dr. Adam, 126, 204, 266. 

Soame Jenyns, his View of the internal Evidence of Christianity re- 
ferred to, 78, 267. 



224 INDEX. 

Sophistry, with which religion is explained away, 166. 
Sta;^e, the, proof from its being frequented by nominal Christians of 
their defective love of God, 226 — 228. 231, 232, 
proof fiom, illustrated by political analogy, 227. 
Statutes, religion made a set of, 165, 166. 
Sterne, strongly censured, 215, 216. 
Strictness ot true practical Christianity, 147. 

of our system, objected to, as not suited to the state of the 

world, 266, 267. 
the charge refuted, 267, &c. 
Sunday, hints for its employment, 171, 172. 

common modes of unhallowing it, 173, 174. 
Supreme regard to be set on God, 115 — 152, 153. 
Swift's Tale of a fub, quoted, 166. 

T. 

TastCy votaries of, 162. 

Tempers, Christian, not cultivated, 168 — 174. 

respecting human estimation, 187 — 191. 

respecting calumny and disgrace, 191, 192. 

when too much immersed in worldly business, 212—214. 
Theatres, Parisian, 227. 
Theatrical entertainments prove defective love of God, 2*28. 

prove defective love of our neighbor, 227. 

entertainments, illustrated by political analogy, 227. 

V. 

Vice, some one always excused, 286, 287. 

Vices, out-growing or changing them, mistaken for forsaking all 

sins, 286. 
Vulgarity in religion, as to language, to be expected from vulgar 

men, 112. 

U. 
Unbelievers, half, a class of them, 311. 
Uncharitableness, what falsely so called, 288. 
Unitarianism often results from same causes as absolute 5<^ep- 

cism, 309. 
Useful lives, discussion concerning, 197. 

substituttd for religion, 197. 

value of, estmated by standard of mere reason, 201, 202. 

real worth of, on Christian principles, 202, 203, 

life, the Christian's life the most so, 205, 206. 

Christians urged to, 206. 

life its just praise given to, 208, 209. 

apt to mislead us, 210. 

W. 
Wealth, votaries of, 161. 

Women, more disposed than men to religion, and uses to be made of 
this, 288, 289. 

exalted office assigned to them, 289. 
Witherspoonj 263. 

Y. 
Youth, simplicity of, mistaken for religion, 288, 289. 



TH£ END 



WORKS 

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY KEY 6z BIDDLE, 
No. 23, MINOR STREET. 

MIRIAM, OR THE POWER OF TRUTH. 

BY THE AUTHOR OF "INFLUENCE." 

This tale is professedly founded on an " anecdote, said to be a well-attested 
fact, of an American Jew converted to Christianity by the death of his only 
child, a beautiful girl, whom he had reared with no common care and affection. 
She embraced the Christian faith unknown to her father, until with her dying 
lips she confessed to him her apnstacy from Judaism, giving. him at the same 
time a Testament, with a solemn injunction to believe in Jesus of Nazareth." 

This outline is ingeniously and skilfully filled up, and a tale of deep interest 
is produced. There are many passages of deep pathos, and the argument for 
Christianity adapted to the Jews, is happily sustained. We think the pleasure 
and instruction which the book is calculated to afford, will well repay a perusal. 
— The Presbyterian. 

The style of writing in this volume is simple and beautiful, as the story is 
Sifiiacting.— Boston Traveller. 

The book has enough of fiction to enliven the fancy and gratify the curiosity 
of youth, who might not otherwise read it; while it conveys lessons of piety, 
and arguments for the man of understanding. We wish that many a lovely 
Jewess could be persuaded to read " Miriam." — The Philadelphian. 

The work altogether deserves to stand high in the class of productions to 
which it belongs. — Episcopal Recorder. 

When we see a book which bears the imprint of Key & Biddle, we are always 
si:re to see a handsome one. In this case, we can give as high praise to the 
matter as we can to the mechanical execution. 

*' Influence" was one of the very best of that class of religious novels lately 
so prevalent in England; and its gifted young author has even improved upon 
herself, in this affecting and powerful story. She has aken that touching inci- 
dent, well known through the medium of our tracts, of a Jewish maiden who, 
on her dying bed, won over her reluctant father to the religion of the Jesus he 
despised. 

It was a subject too good to be left unimproved, and in "Miriam" has been 
embalmed, one of the most beautiful and delicate religious narratives we have 
ever read. No one whose feelings and sympathies are uncorrupted, can peruse 
this touching tale, without feeling a strong interest, and that sympathy which 
will sometimes melt them into tears. Upon the publication of Miriam in Lon- 
don, it quickly ran through three editions, and we doubt not it will attain a 
co-extensive popularity here, where there is more freshness of the feelings, and 
a more deeply imbued spirit of rational piety, to appreciate the fine tone of reli- 
gious spirit which pervades it. — JV. Y. Com. Adv. 



AIDS TO MENTAL DEVELOPMENT, or Hints to Parents. 
Being a System of Mental and Moral Instruction, exemplified in 
Conversations between a Mother and her Children, with an Address 
to Mothers. By a Lady of Philadelphia. 

A MANUAL ON THE SABBATH ; embracing a consideration 
of its Perpetual Obligation, Change of Day, Utility and Duties. 
By John Holmes Agnew, Professor of Languages, Washington Col- 
lege, Washington, Pa. With an Introductory Essay, by Dr. Miller 
of Princeton, N. J. 

COUNSELS FROM THE AGED TO THE YOUNG. By 
Dr. Alexander. 



\ 



IVORKS IlBCBlSrTi:.Y FUBIiISHED 

THE PHILOSOPHY OF A FUTURE STATE. By Thomas 
Dick, author of the Christian Philosopher, &c. 

TODD'S JOHNSON'S DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH 
LANGUAGE. To which is added, a copious Vocabulary of Greek, 
Latin, and Scriptural Proper Names, divided into syllables, and ac- 
cented for pronunciation. By Thomas Rees, LL.D., F.R.S.A. The 
above Dictionary will make a beautiful pocket volume, same size 
as Young Man's Own Book. 

MEMORANDA OF A RESIDENCE AT THE COURT OF 
LONDON. By Richard Rush, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister 
Plenipotentiary from the United States of America ; from 1817 to 
1825. Second edition, revised and enlarged. 

PAROCHIAL LECTURES ON THE LAW AND THE GOS- 
PEL. By Stephen H. Tyng, D.D., Rector of St. Paul's Church, 
Philadelphia. 

THE CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHER, or the Connection of 
Science and Philosophy with Religion. By Thomas Dick, 

THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION, or an Blustration of the 
Moral Laws of the Universe. By Thomas Dick. 

THE IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIETY, by the Diffusion of 
Knowledge; or an Illustration of the advantages which would re- 
sult from a general dissemination of rational and scientific informa- 
tion among all rankc Illustrated with engravings. By Thomas 
Dick, LL.!)., author of Philosophy of a Future State, &c. 

THE PIECE BOOK, comprising Choice Specimens of Poetry 
and Eloquence, intended to be transcribed or committed to memory. 

MEMOIRS OF HORTENSE BEAUHARNAIS, DUCHESS 
OF ST. LEU AND EX-QUEEN OF HOLLAND. 

This is an interesting account of a conspicuous character. She was the 
daughter of Josephine Beaiiharnais, alias, or afterwards, Josephine Bonnparte, 
former wife of Napoleon of France ; and she became the wife of Louis Bonaparte, 
the ex-king of Holland. Of those who have figured at large on the great theatre 
of life, at one of the most memorable eras in history, many interesting anec- 
dotes are given. We can safely recommend this work to the reading public— 
American Sentinel. 

No one of all those distinguished personages who occupied so large a space in 
the world's eye, from theirfconnexion with Napoleon, pn^sents a story of deeper 
interest than the amiable and accomplished subject of these memoirs. Possess- 
ing all the grace and fascination of manner, which so eminently characterized 
her mother, the Empress Josephine, she has a strength and cultivation of intel- 
lect; an extent and variety of knowledge; and a philosophic fortitude which 
the Empress never could boast. Unhappy in her marriage, she was yet a de- 
voted wife and fond mother; and though gifted with every quality to adorn 
royalty, she willingly withdrew to the shades of private life, resigning the crown 
she had embellished without a murmur. 

Many of the details of this work will be found deeply interesting, and the notes 
are copious and itistructing. The translator has faithfully preserved the spirit 
of his original. — Saturday Coiiricr. 



BIT KEY & BIDDIiZ:. 



HARPE'S HEAD, 

A LEGEND OF KENTUCKY. 

By James Hall, Esq. author of Legends of the West, &c. &c. 

It is an able production, characteristic of the writer's eminent talents, and 
abounding with narratives and sketches of absorbing interest. The history of 
Harpe forms the ground-work of the tale, the incidents of which are developed 
with much skill and effect. — Pkilad. Gazette. 

Harpe's Head is one of the most interesting etories with which we are ac- 
quainted. — Daily Chronicle. 

Judge Hall is among the most popular of American writers, and in the present 
production, has given another proof of the felicity of his genius. It abounds 
with narratives and sketches of deep interest, relating to the early periods of 
the settlement of Kentucky.— JV. Y. Com. Adv. 

Mr. James Hall, a native of Philadelphia, and favorably known as the author 
of Legends of the West, has just published a new work, entitled " Harpe's 
Head, A Legend of Kentucky:'' It is well calculated to add to his fame, and 
though it bears evidences of being a hasty, composition, reflects great credit 
upon the author. It is the story of Micajah Harpe, a Kentuckian Freebooter, 
and the scene changes from Virginia, in the olden time, to Ohio and Kentucky. 
The account of a Virginia Barbecue is so well and naturally executed, that it 
must become a favorite. It is here inserted as a favorable specimen of the work. 
Miss Pendleton is altogether lovely. — Poiiison's Daily Adv. 

With the ordinary characters which must be found in such a composition, we 
have one quite original being, in the person of " Hark Short, the snake-killer;" 
and the production, as a whole, forms one of the most engaging volumes that 
we have met with. To its other merits we should not omit to add that, like 
other writings from the same pen, it is distinguished by an unobtrusive tone of 
the purest moral sentiment. — Penn. Inquirer. 

We cheerfully commend this work to the attention of our readers, assuring 
them that they will be amused, entertained, and instructed by its perusal — they 
will find Indian warfare,— savage modes of life — the difficulties and dangers 
expjerieneed by the early pioneers in the "far, far west" — delineated with a 
master hand, in language glowing, vivid, and natural. — JSTational Banner. 



WACOUSTA, OR THE PROPHECY ; 
A Tale op the Canadas. 2 vols. 

This work is of a deeply interesting character, and justly lays claim to bo of 
the highest cast. We think it decidedly superior to any production of the kind 
which has recently emanated from the press. It abounds with thrilling scenes, 
and the author has displayed a power of delineation rarely surpassed. — Daily In- 
telligencer. 

We have read it, and unhesitatingly pronounce it one of the most deeply in- 
teresting wgrks of fiction which has met our eye for many a month. It is a his- 
torical novel— the scenes of which are laid principally at Detroit and Mackina 
— and some of the tragic events which those places witnessed in the early settle- 
ment of the country, are given with historic accuracy — particularly the mas- 
sacre of Mackina. — The author is evidently conversant with Indian stratagem 
and with Indian eloquence ; and has presented us with specimens of both, truly 
characteristic of the untutored savage. We would gladly present our rwadors 
with an extract from this interesting work, did our limits permit. In lieu of an 
extract, however, we commend the work itself to them. — Commercial Herald. 

The principal personage of this novel is a savage chief, and the story of his 
retreat, bearing off captive the daughter of the Governor, is told with thrilling 
effect. It IS well written throughout, and abounds with interesting scenes. — 
Com. Adv. 



THE YOUNG LADY'S SUNDAY BOOK; 

A Practical Manual of the Christian Duties of Piety, Benevo- 
lence, and Self-government. Prepared with particular reference 



to the Formation of the Female Character. By the author of "The 
Young Man's Own Book." Philadelphia. Key & Biddle, 1833. 
32mo. pp. 312. 

We have read many of the selections in this little volume, and have met with 
nothing objectionable— Generally, the style is pure, easy, and pleasing, and the 
matter good, well calculated for the purpose for which the work is intended, 
and we cheerfully recommend it to the persons for whom it ia principally design- 
ed, as profitable for instruction. — Episcopal Recorder. 

A most attractive little volume in its appearance— and in this age of sweeping 
frivolity in literature, of far superior excellence in its contents. Certainly some 
such manual was required for the closet — when novels and light reading of every 
description have so ruled paramount in the drawing-room. We can give it no 
higher praise than to say that the extracts are of a character to accomplish all 
that the title-page holds out.— JVT. Y. Com. Adv. 

A collection of excellent sentiments from approved authors, and adapted par- 
ticularly to the. formation of the female character. The chapters are short, and 
embrace a great variety of subjects of religious tendency, and altogether the 
book is replete with instruction. It is illustrated by two pretty engravings.— Pre^- 
byterian. 

As the public feeling now runs, the publishers of this little work have done 
well by their effort to keep it in a proper channel. The Young Lady's Sunday 
Book is altogether practical in its character, and consisting, as it does, of short 
pieces, takes a wide range in its subjects. 

It is calculated to do good, and we should be happy to see the principles incul- 
cated in the portions we have read become the ruling principles of all. — Journal 
and Telegraph. 

Messrs. Key &. Biddle have just issued a volume of the most beautiful kind, 
entitled 7Vie Young Lady's Sunday Book. It is full of pure, didactic matter, the 
fruits of a pious and gifted mind ; and while the clearness and light of its pages 
commend them to the eye, the truth of the precepts finds its way to the heart. 
The work can be unhesitatingly praised, as worthy in all respects. The embel- 
lishments are finished and tasteful. ''Meditation,'' the frontispiece, from the 
burin of Ellis, would add a grace to any annual. We trust Messrs. Key &. Biddle 
receive a liberal patronage from the religious community, for we know of no 
booksellers in this country who issue more good volumes calculated to subserve 
the immortal interests of man.— P?ulad. Gaz. 



TRANSATLANTIC SKETCHES, 

Comprising visits to the most interesting scenes in North America, 
and the West Indies, with Notes on Negro Slavery and Canadian 
.Emigration. By Capt. J. E. Alexander, 42d Royal Highlanders, 
F. R. G. S. M. R. A. S. &c. author of Travels in Ava, Persia, &c. 

We are happy to have the opportunity afforded us of noticing such a book of 
travels as that called Transatlantic Sketches. — American Sentinel. 

One of the most interesting and instructive works that has appeared for some 
time, has just been issued from the press of Key & Biddle, entitled Transat- 
lantic Sketches. — Penn. Inquirer. 

We wish we had room to speak of this volume according to our high opinion 
of its merit, and to make the reader acquainted with the style and spirit of the 
writer, by presenting some extracts. Captain Alexander, as a narrator of what 
he sees and hears, has hit our taste exactly. We do not feel like a reader, but 
a fellow-traveller— not in company with a dull, prosing fellow, but with a gen- 
tleman of life and spirit, of wit and learning. Upon the whole, we commend the 
book to the public, as one of the very best of the numerous recent publications 
of travels that have been sent forth.— Cow. Herald. 



THE RELIGIOUS SOUVENIR; 

A Christmas, New-Year's, and Birth-Day Present for 1834. 
Edited by G. T. Bedell, D.D., illustrated with eight splendid steel 
engravings. 



-15 

A 



BIT KSV & BIDDZ.I!. 



A volume, too, which does not degrade or disgrace the subject— a vohime des- 
tined, not to pass away with the winter greens that adorn our Christmas par- 
lors, but to maintain a lasting hold on the attention of the Christian community, 
at least so long as good taste and good sense shall have any vote in the selec- 
tion of hooks. We have read the volume carefully, and do not hesitate to pro- 
nounce it one of unusual interest as well as solid merit. — U. S. Gazette. 

Messrs. Key «& Biddle have made a valuable present to religious parents, 
guardians, and friends, in this elegant little volume. Why should all our gifts 
on these occasions be worldly, or wors*^ ? And why should religious truth always 
shun the aids of beautiful ornament? The embellishments are attractive, well 
selected, and well executed. The various papers which compose the volume are 
serious, tasteful, alluring, imbued with the spirit of the gospel, in a word, such 
as we should have expected from one so zealous for the cause of Christ, and so 
inventive of happy thoughts as the Rev. Editor. This annual may be safely 
recommended to the Christian public. — The Presbyterian, 

To all, therefore, who desire intellectual improvement, and, at the same time, 
the gratification of a true taste — and to all who would make a really valuable 
present to their friends, we would say, in conclusion, go and procure the Reli- 
gious Souvenir. It is not merely a brilliant little ornament for the parlor centre- 
table, but a book worthy of a place in every sensible man's library. — Cincin- 
nati Inquirer. 

The typography, embellishments, and general appearance of the work, render 
it fully equal in these respects to any of the kind published in our country, while 
its subjects are far more suitable for the contemplation of Christians, than the 
light reading with which most of them are filled. — Episcopal Recorder. 

The articles are not only interesting, but calculated to produce a beneficial 
effect upon the minds of those who read it, therefore, a very proper work for the 
purpose for which it is designed, and hope it may meet with an extensive sale. — 

Baltimore Republican. 

In the general character of those fashionable, and as to appearance, attractive 
volumes, the annuals, there is so much that is trashy and unprofitable, that it 
was with no little misgiving we looked into the pages of one which is now be- 
fore us, entitled " The Religious Souvenir." The matter is altogether of a reli- 
gious and moral tendency, not chargeable with sectarian bias, and such as the 
most scrupulous need not hesitate to admit into family reading.— 77ic Friend. 

This little work is intended to furnish what was heretofore wanted — a Christ- 
mas and New-Year's offering, which may be bestowed and accepted by the most 
scrupulous. — Pittsburg Gazette. 

We are happy to announce the tasteful appearance and valuable matter of the 
Religious Souvenir for 1834. Dr. Bedell is as much distinguished for his belles- 
lettres attainment, as for the profoundness of his scholarship and the purity of 
his motives. He has found himself at home in this tasteful enterprise, and in 
good conjpany with the associated talent of the contributors to his beautiful 
pages. — JV. Y. Weekly Messenger. 

Messrs. Key & Biddle have published a handsome little volume, entitled Reli- 
gious Souvenir, and edited by the Rev. Dr. Bedell. It is embellish(;d with beau- 
tiful engravings, and printed with elegance. The literary contents are very 
good, soundly pious, and free of all invidious remark or allusion. True Chris- 
tianity is that which purifies the heart, liberalizes the feelings, and amends the 
conduct. — JSTational Gazette. 

We are free to confess our admiration of this lovely volume. It is decidedly 
the gem of the year. Not only unquestionably superior in elegance and execu- 
tion to all others of its class published in this country, but worthy in the fine 
and careful finish of the admirable engravings, to rank along with the best of 
those annually produced by the finished artists and abounding capital of Eng 
land. We hope an unprecedented patronage will remunerate the spirited pub- 
lishers for producing, at such a liberal expense, a work not less creditable to 
themselves than to the state of art in the country.— JV. Y. Com. Adv. 

We hail with pleasure the second appearance of this judicious instructive an- 
nual, with its exterior much improved, and its interior rich in lessons of piety. 
Its aim is hallowed — its usefulness unquestionable— and it is a gift which affec- 
tion may offer .without scruple, because approved by religion. — Charleston Cour. 



IVOHKS IELTICHNTImTT PTTBIiISHSD 

LETTERS TO AN ANXIOUS INQUIRER, 

Designed to relieve the difficulties of a Friend, under Serious Impressions. 

BY T. CARLTON HENRY, D. D. 

Late Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, Charleston, S. C. 

With an Introductory Essay, (in which is presented Dr. Henry's 

Preface to his Letters, and his Life, by a friend.) By G. T. Bedell, 

D,D,, Rector of St. Andrew's Church, Philadelphia. 

It is an important vohime, and is an indispensable auxiliary to a proper con- 
templation of the most important of all subjects. The work contains a very 
judicious Introductory Essay, from the pen of the Rev. G. T. Bedell, Rector of 
St. Andrew's Church, in this city.— -Sa^. Eve. Post. 

In a revival of religion among his own people, Dr. Bedell found this work use- 
ful, and was led to seek its republication in a cheap and neat form, for the advan- 
tage of those who cannot afford to purchase costly volumes. We hope the work 
may prove a blessing to all who shall read it. — The Philadelphian. 

These letters have been for many years highly valued for the practical and 
appropriate instruction for which they are principally designed. — Presbyterian. 



THE SOLDIER'S BRIDE, AND OTHER TALES. 

By James Hall, Esq. author of *' Legends of the West, &c. 
Contents. — 1. The Soldier's Bride; — 2. Cousin Lucy and the 
Village Teacher; — 3. Empty Pockets;— 4. The Captain's Lady; — 
5. The Philadelphia Dun; — 6. The Bearer of Dispatches ; — 7. The 
Village Musician; — 8. Fashionable Watering-Places ; — 9. The 
Useful Man ;— 10. The Dentist ;— 11. The Bachelor's Elysium ;— 
12. PeteFeatherton;— 13. The Billiard Table. 

We have just risen from the perusal of the Soldier's Bride. The impre.spinn it 
leaves upon the mind is like that which we receive from the sight of a landscape 
of rural beauty and repose — or from the sound of rich and sweet melody. Every 
part of this delightful tale is redolent of moral and natural loveliness. The 
writer belongs to the same class with Irving and Paulding; and as in his de- 
scriptions, characters, and incidents, he never loses sight of the true and legiti- 
mate purpose of fiction, the elevation of the taste and moral character of his 
readers, he will contribute his full share to the creation of sound and healthful 
literature.— 17. & Gazette. 

Key & Biddle have recently published another series of Tales— the Soldier's 
Bride, &c. by James Hall. 1'he appirobation everywhere elicited by Judge Hall's 
Legends of the West, has secured a favorable reception for the present volume ; 
and its varied and highly spirited contents, consisting of thirteen tales, will be 
found no less meritorious than his previous labors.— JVTaiionaZ Oaiet.te. 

We have found much to admire in the perusal of this interesting work. It 
abounds in correct delineation of character, and although in some of his tales, 
the author's style is familiar, yet he has not sacrificed to levity the dignity of 
his pen, nor tarnished his character as a chaste and classical writer. At the 
present day, when the literary world is flooded with fustian and insipidity, and 
the public taste attempted to be vitiated by the weak and effeminate productions 
of those whose mtnds are as incapable of imagining the lofty and generous feel- 
ings they would pourtray, as their hearts are of exercising them, it is peculiarly 
gratifying to receive a work, from the pages of which the eye may cater witii 
satisfaction, and the mind feast with avidity and benefit. — Pittsburg Mercury. 



TALES OF ROMANCE, FIRST SERIES. 

This is not only an uncommonly neat edition, but a very entertaining book : 
how could it be otherwise, when such an array of authors as the following is 
presented — 

The work contains Ali's Bride, a tale from the Persian, by Thomas Moore, in- 



BY KEir Sc BIIODJLE. 



terspersed with poetry. Tho Last of the Line, by Mrs. S. C. Hall, an author who 
sustains a reputation which every succeeding procJuction greatly enhances. Tiie 
Wire Merchant's Story, by the author of the King's Own. The Frocrastmator, 
by T. Crofton Croker. The Spanish Ueadsinan. The Legend of Rose Rocke, by 

the author of Stories of Waterloo. Barbara S , by Cliarles Lamb. A 

Story of the Heart. The Vacant Chair, by J. M. Wilson ; and the Queen of the 
Meadows, by Miss Mitford. 

This volume has no pretensions to the inculcation of mawkish sensibility. 
We have read every word of it, and can confidently recommend it to our friends. 
— Journal of Belles Lettres. 

ZOE, OR THE SICILIAN SAYDA. 

As an historical romance, embellished with the creations of a lively imagina- 
tion, and adorned with the beauties of a classic mind, this production will take 
a high rank, and although not so much lauded as a Cooper or an Irving, he may 
be assured that by a continuance of his etforts, he will secure the approbation 
of his countrymen, and the reward of a wide-spread ^Aiim.— Daily Intelligencer. 

We do not call attention to this on account of any previous reputation of its 
author; it possesses intrinsic merit, and will obtain favor because it merits it. 
It is historical, and the name and circumstances are to be found in the records 
of those times. The plot is ably conceived, the characters are vividly, and some 
are fearfully drawn. — Boston American Traveller. 



THE TESTIMONY OF NATURE AND REVELATION TO 
THE BEING, PERFECTIONS, AND GOVERNMENT OF 
GOD. By the Rev. Henry Fergus, Dunfermline, author of the 
History of the United States of America, till the termination of 
the War of Independence, in Lardner's Cyclopedia. 

The Rev. Mr. Fergus's Testimony of Nature and Revelation to the Being, 
Perfection, and Government of God, is an attempt to do in one volume what the 
Bridgewater Treatises are to do in eight. We wish one-eighth of the reward 
only may make its way to Dunfermline. Mr. Fergus's Treatise goes over the 
whole ground with fervor and ability; it is an excellent volume, and may be 
had for somewhere about about half the price of one Bridgewater octavo. — Lon- 
don Spectator. 

A work of great research and great talent. — Evangelical Magazine. 

A very seasonable and valuable work. Its philosophy is unimpeachable, and 
its theology pure and elevated. — Mew Monthly Mag. 

This is an elegant and enlighted work, of a pious and highly gifted man. — 
Metropolitan Magazine. 

This excellent work contains, in a brief space, all that is likely to be useful in 
the Bridgewater Treatises, and displays infinitely more of original thought and 
patient research, than the two volumes which have been recently published by 
the managers of his lordship's legacy. We have never seen any work in which 
the necessity of a revelation was more clearly demonstrated, while at the same 
time its due importance was assigned to natural religion. 

We hope that the work will be extensively used in the education of youth ; it 
is admirably calculated to stimulate students to scientific research, and the ob- 
servation of Nature; it suggests subjects of contemplation, by which the mind 
must be both delighted and instructed ; and, finally, it teaches the most sublim* 
of all lessons, admiration of the power, delight in the wisdom, and gratitude for 
the love of our Creator. — Athenaeum. 



LETTERS FROM THE NORTH OF EUROPE, 
Or Journal of Travels in Holland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, 
Finland, Russia, Prussia, and Saxony. By Charles B. Elliott, Esq. 

This is one of those remarkably pleasant tours which an intelligent gentle- 
man, who has seen much of the world, is alone calculated to write — one of those 
productions which engage the attention and do not fatigue it, and which we 
read from first to last with the agreeable sensation, that we are gathering the 
information of very extensive travel easily, by our own fireside.— Z.owJo7i Lite- 
rary Gazette. 



TVOUKS RX3CS£9^TLV FXJBI«ISIZZ:i> 

YOUNG MAN'S OWN BOOK. 
A Manual of Politeness, Intellectual Improvement, and Moral 
Deportment, calculated to form the character on a solid basis, and 
to insure respectability and success in life. 

Its contents are made up of brief and well written essays upon subjects very 
judiciously selected, and will prove a useful and valuable work to those who 
give it a careful reading, and make proper use of those hints which the author 
throws out, — Boston Trav. 

We cheerfully recommend a perusal of the Young Man's Own Book to all our 
young friends, for we are convinced that if they read it faithfully, they will find 
themselves both wiser and better. — The Young Man's Advocate. 

In the Young Man's Own Book, much sound advice upon a variety of im- 
portant subjects is administered, and a large number of rules are laid down for 
the regulation of conduct, the practice of which cannot fail to insure respecta- 
bility. — Saturday Courier. 

JOURNAL OF A NOBLEMAN; 
Being a Narrative of his residence at Vienna, during Congress, 
The author is quite spirited in his remarks on occurrences, and his sketches of 
character are picturesque and amusing. We commend this volume to our read- 
ers as a very entertaining production. — Daily Intel. 

We presume no one could take up this little volume and dip into it, without 
feeling regret at being obliged by any cause to put it down before it was read. 
The style is fine, as are the descriptions, the persons introduced, together with 
the anecdotes, and in general, the entire sketching is by the hand of a master. 
Everything appears natural— there is no affectation of learning— no overstrain- 
ing — no departure from what one would expect to see and hear — ^^11 is easy — all 
graceful. — Com. Herald. 

YOUNG LADY'S OWN BOOK, 

A Manual of Intellectual Improvement and Moral Deportment. 
By the author of the Young Man's Own Book. 

Messrs. Key & Biddle, of this city, have published a very neat little volume, 
entitled The Young Lady's Own Book. Its contents are well adapted to its use- 
ful purpose. — JVational Oazcttc. 

The Young Lady's Own Book seems to us to have been carefully prepared, to 
comprehend much and various instruction of a practical character, and to corre- 
spond in its contents with its title. — Young Man's Advocate. 

The Young Lady's Own Book, embellished with beautiful engravings, should 
be in the hands of every young iinnaXe.— Inquirer. 

All the articles in the Young Lady's Own Book are of a useful and interesting 
character. — JV. F. Com. Adv. 



AN ADDRESS TO THE YOUNG, ON THE IMPORT- 
ANCE OF RELIGION. By John Foster, author of Essays on 
Decision of Character, &c. 

We are not going to hold a rush light up to a book of John Foster'? but only 
mean to tell what is its intent. It is an awakening appeal to youtj- of the re- 
fined and educated sort, upon the subject of their personal religion. There can 
l)e no doubt as to its currency. — The Presbyterian. 



A MOTHER'S FIRST THOUGHTS. By the author of " Faith's 
Telescope." 

This is a brief miniature, from an Edinburgh edition. Its aim is to furnish 
Religious Meditations, Prayers, and Devotional Poetry for pious mothers. It is 
most highly commended in the Edinburgh Presbyterian Review, and in the 
Christian Advocate. The author, who is a lady of Scotland, unites a deep know- 
ledge of sound theology, with no ordinary talent for sacred poetry. — Presbyterian. 



B'Sr KSir & BIDDIiE. 

EXAMPLE; OR, FAMILY SCENES. 

Tliis is one of those useful and truly moral publications which can not fail to 
bn read with delight by the youth of both seves, who, as their hearts expand, 
and they advance in years, have need of some instructor to point out the path 
they should follow for their future happiness. The author has been triimiphanlly 
successful in attaining these laudable objects in this interesting publication. — 
IVeckly Times. 

Smne of the ' Scenes' are sweetly touching, and, in our view, the author has 
succeeded remarkably well in presenting the sublime and yet simple truths of 
Evangelical Heligion to the mind in a way of deep and abiding impressions. — 
JV. Y. Com. Jidv 

True religion is diffusive in its character, and when it is fairly exemplified in 
the life of an individual, it will excite attention, cojnmand respect, and perhaps 
lead to still happier ces'ilts. ' Let your light so shine before men that they may 
see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,' is a command 
of high authority, and one which presupposes the force of example. These 
' Family Scenes,' which b(!long to the same class with Mrs. Sherwood's writings, 
are intended to illustrate the influence of example. The book is pleasingly writ- 
ten, and is characterized by a vein of pious and evangelical sentiment.— Prcs^y- 
tcrian. 



A HARMONY OF THE FOUR GOSPELS, 

Founded on the Arrangement of the Harmonia Evangelica, by 
the Rev. Edward Greswell. With the Practical Reflections of Dr. 
Doddridge. Designed for the use of Families and Schools, and for 
Private Edification. By the Rev. E. Bickersteth, Rector of Wolton, 
Herts. 

A beautiful duodecimo of about four hundred pages; and one of the best 
books which has appeared for many years, with respect to personal and domestic 
edification. It is next to impossible to read the ordinary Harmonies. The cur- 
rent of the narrative is broken by constant interruptions. In this, we have in 
convenient sections, the four Gospel histories, made up into one, in proper order, 
in the words of the common English translation. The devotional notes of 
Doddridge are better tlian any we have seen for reading in the closet, or at family 
worship. The name of Bickersteth, prefixed to a book, is enough to show that 
it is written simply to serve the cause of Christ.— T/ie Presbyterian, 



THE SPIRIT OF LIFE. 

A Poem, pronounced before the Franklin Society of Brown Uni- 
versity, Sept. 3, 1838. With other Poems. By Willis Gaylord 
Clark, Esq. 

We hope Mr. Clark may find suflicient inducements to place before the public, 
in a more accessible form than that in which they are now scattered through 
the periodicals of the day, more of the creations of his fancy, breathing as they 
do the fervor of moral purity, as well as chastened and beautiful poetry— we do 
not hesitate to say they will be most highly acceptable. The anonymous pro- 
ductions of his pen have long attracted the highest praise, and it is high time 
that he should, in his own person, reap the laurels he has so well earned, and 
boldly challenge a rank among the best of the American poets.— A^. Y. Mirror. 

The " Spirit of Lif^" is a clustering of many of those beauties, which all, who 
admire poetry, have already seen and applauded in the different productions of 
Clark's gifted mind.— (7. S. Oai. 

This poetry is of no common order. The author beautifully describes the Spirit 
of Life as pervading all Nature, and triumphing over the power of death. — 
Episcopal Recorder. 

The "Spirit of Life" is an essay of sound morality, in the guise of smooth 
and easy versification. It aims by graceful numbers to better the heart ; to teach 
it contentment here below.— Pow/son'*' Daiiy Adv. 

9 



THE HAPPINESS OF THE BLESSED, 

Considered as to the particulars of their state ; their reco^ition 
of each other in that state ; and its difference of degrees. To which 
are added, Musings on the Church and her Services. By Richard 
Mant, D. D. M. R. I. A. Lord Bishop of Down and Connor. 

The design of the Rev. author in this production, is to adduce from scriptural 
authority, the most satisfactory evidence of the happiness and joy of those who 
by faith follow Christ, and who, in the exercise of those virtues required by the 
gospel, are emphatically denominated the children of God. The author has 
touched upon several topics connected with the subject, which must afford much 
consolation to the Christian, who, from the very nature of his organization, is 
liable to doubts and fearful forebodings as to the state of his heart and the 
grounds of his faith. 

Christian hope, confidence, and charity, are stamped upon every page, and the 
writer deserves well of the Christian inquirer, for the industry which he has dis- 
played in collecting and arranging so many important and valuable arguments 
in favor of the glorious and resplendent state of the faithful and humble disciple 
of Jesus. 

In this world, mankind have need of consolation— of the cup of sorrow all 
must drink — happiness is a phantom, a meteor, beautiful and bright, always al- 
luring us by its glow — forever within our reach, but eternally eluding our grasp 
— but this state of things was designed by our Creator for our benefit— it was 
intended to withdraw our affections from the shadowy and unsubstantial pleas- 
ures of the world, to the Father of all in Heaven, and to prepare, by discipline 
and zeal, for a state, beyond the grave, of felicity, which eye hath not seen, ear 
hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive of. To 
our readers we cheerfully commend this delightful volume, confident that by its 
perusal the faith of the doubtful will be confirmed, and the anticipative hope of 
the confident increased. — Christian's Magazine. 

We take the earliest opportunity of introducing to our readers this excellent 
little book, to which the deeply interesting nature of the subject, and the well- 
earned reputation of the Right Rev. author will secure no inconsiderable portion 
of attention. The vast importance of the topics herein treated, and the valuable 
practical effects they may assist in producing, induce us to call thus early the 
public attention to a work, small indeed in size, but which is calculated not a 
little to inform all candid and serious inquirers into a subject hitherto involved 
in much obscurity, but not a little elucidated by the present author. — Qent. Mag. 



MEMOIR OF MISS MARY JANE GRAHAM. 
By the Rev. Charles Bridges, M. A. author of Christian Min- 
istry, &c. &c. 

We have seldom read a biographical sketch which we could more cordially or 
confidently recommend to the Christian reader. The highly gifted, accomplished, 
and spiritiially-minded subject of the work has found a kindred spirit in the ex- 
cellent author. He has used his valuable materials in such a manner as to ren- 
der the memoir of Miss Graham not less rich in interest than full of instruction, 
to all who are capable of b«ing interested in the highest mental endowments, 
sanctified and set apart to the service of God. There are few, either believers 
or unbelievers, who may not be instructed by the counsel, or benefited by the 
example of Miss Gx^h^im.— Episcopal Recorder. 

In many respects it is one of the richest pieces of biography with which we 
are acquainted.— Pres&yterian. 

TALES OF ROMANCE, SECOND SERIES. 

The Tales of Romance, which Messrs. Key & Biddle have just published, are 
altogether above the ordinary collections of the day. Every author included 
among the contributors to the volume, has acquired previously a distinct reputa- 
tion in other works. Such names as Malcolm, Roscoe, and others, will be suffi- 
cient to give an idea of the merits of these Tales. The story of Fazio, from 
whence is derived the tragedy of that name, is well and concisely told. We shall 
present the best part of it soon, to the readers of the Intelligencer.— Z)ai/y/nfe/. 

_____ 



BIT KEir & BIDBIiS. 



GENERAL VIEW OF THE GEOLOGY OF SCRIPTURE, 

In which the unerring truth of the Inspired Narrative of the 

early events in the world is exhibited, and distinctly proved, by the 

corroborative testimony of physical facts, on every part of the 

earth's surface. By George Fairholme, Esq. 

The work before us is admirably calculatsd to enlighten the mind upon the 
subject of Creation, and we have rarely perused a work which has added so much 
to our stock of ideas, or which has given so much gratification. If the limits of 
our paper permitted, we should take pleasure in laying before our readers an 
analysis of the contents of this excellent production, but as that is out of the 
question, we must refer them to the work itself, where we can assure them they 
will find an abundance of information on the important subject of Creation. — 
Phil. Gaz. 

The Geology of Scripture, by George Fairholme, Esq. is an admirable work. 
The circulation of it should be extensive ; and, judging from its intrinsic merit, 
such is its destiny. — Christian Gazette. 



LIFE OF WILLIAM COWPER, ESQ. 

Compiled from his correspondence and other authentic sources 
of information, containing remarks on his writings, and on the 
peculiarities of his interesting character, never before published. 
By Thomas Taylor. 

Taylor's Life of Cowper has several private letters of the poet not found in 
other works, which serve to correct many false impressions relative to his men- 
tal aberration. It is due the cause of humanity, and of justice generally, that 
the truth should be received ; especially when, by affecting the character of so 
great a man as Cowper, it in a great measure touches the whole of the human 
kind.— U.S. Gaz. 

A comprehensive and perspicuous memoir of Cowper has been much wanted, 
and will be read with gratification by the admirers of this amiable and pious 
man, whose accomplishments, excellencies, and peculiarity of character, have 
rendered him an object of interest to the world. We are indebted to Mr. Taylor 
for his excellent work, and for the happy manner in which it has been accom- 
plished. — Boston Trav. 

Thirty years nearly have passed since we first read with great delight Hayley's 
Life of Cowper, and we have never cast our eyes on the volumes since, without 
wishing to unravel a few things in the poet's history which were then left in 
mystery. Taylor professes to deal openly, and remove all concealment. In one 
beautiful volume, he has given us the substance of all which is known concern- 
ing the most sensible and pious of all the English poets ; whose writings will 
be regarded as the best of their kind wherever the English language shali be 
read. In all his numerous works, he has no line of measured jingle without 
sense. Can this be said of scarcely any other child of the muses ? Those who 
have Hayley's two volumes, will be thankful for the labors of Taylor ; and those 
who have neither, should purchase this new compilation without delay. It is a 
work which will be found interesting to all classes, especially to the lovers of 
literature and genuine piety, and to place within the reach of general readers, 
many of whom have neither the means nor the leisure to consult larger works, all 
that is really interesting respecting that singularly afflicted individual, whose pro- 
ductions, both poetic and prose, can never be read but with delight. — Philadolphian. 

Messrs Key & Biddle deserve credit for placing within the reach of all, in so 
cheap and convenient a form, what must be salutary in every instance in its 
general effect. The character, pursuits, performances, and sufterings of Cowper, 
combine more interest than belongs to the life of any of the great English au- 
thors who spent any considerable part of their days in retirement.— JVa«. Gaz. 

A beautiful American edition, from the press of Key & Biddle, has just been 
published, and cannot fail to meet with a welcome reception from all who ad- 
mire that best of men and most agreeable of poets. It is the most complete and 
valuable edition of the Life of Cowper extant, and contains a well-executed por- 
trait, — Poulson's Daily Adv. 

— _ 



•WORKS PUBI.ISHE33 BY KEY 8c SJlDDXiE, 

LEGENDS OF THE WEST. 

By James Hall, second edition, containing the following beauti- 
ful told tales : — The Backwoodsman; — The Divining Rod; — The 
Seventh Son ; — The Missionaries ; — The Legend of Carondolet ; — 
The Intestate ; — Michael De Lancey ; — The Emigrants ; — The In- 
dian Hater ; — The Isle of the Yellow Sands ; — The Barrackmas- 
ter's Daughter ; — The Indian Wife's Lament. 

We are glad to see a new edition of these well-told tales of Judge Hall has 
recently been published. — Bost. Eve. Oaz. 

The deserved popularity of these tales of Judge Hall, have secured to them the 
publication of a second edition. His sketches are admirably drawn, and his 
personal familiarity with scenery and life in the West, have furnished him with 
incidents of peculiar interest, greatly increased by felicitous description.— JV*. Y. 
Com. Adv. 

The rapid sale of the first, has created a demand for a second edition of the 
work, whose title heads this article. 

The " Legends" comprise twelve articles, one of which is poetic. The scenes 
of these talcs are all located in the " far, far W^est," and the characters are takon 
from the aborigines and early emigrants. The difficulties and dangers which the 
first settlers had to undergo ere they were established in security, are depicted 
in glowing colors, and with a master hand. 

The rude and savage warfare of the Indians, the secret ambuscade, the mid- 
night slaughter, the conflagration of the log hut in the prairie and forest, the 
shrieks of consuming women and children, are presented to our minds by the 
author in vivid and impressive language. These tales possess nnich interest, as 
they are founded in fact, and are illustrative of the habits of the Indian, and 
the life of the hunter. As a writer. Judge Hall is more American than any other 
we possess; his scenes are American ; his characters are American, and his lan- 
guage is American His personages are invested with an individuality which 
cannot be mistaken, and his conceptions and illustrations are drawn from the 
great storehouse of Nature.— Z>ai/j/ Intel. 



THE CHURCH OF GOD, 
In a Series of Dissertations, by the Rev. Robert Wilson Evans, 
of Trinity College, Cambridge. 

The object of the writer is to show that the fundamental doctrines of the 
Christian Religion have been taught in the various dispensations, from the in- 
stitution of the Church in the family of Adam, to the more clear and perfect 
exposition of its principles by the Savior and his apostles. He is thii.s led to 
deal wholly with general principles — those in which the great body of Christians 
agree. This frees his work from all savor of sectarianism, and the ingenuity 
and talent exhibited in its execution, comujend it to the religious of every name. 
It would perhap'^f be well to say, that the above work is by the author of " Rec- 
tory of Valehead." — Episcopal Recorder. 



THE PROGRESSIVE EXPERIENCE OF THE HEART, 
UNDER THE DISCIPLINE OF THE HOLY GHOST, FROM 
REGENERATION TO MATURITY. By Mrs. Stevens. 

This is a work which may be recommended to religious readers and to serious 
inquirers, with great safety. It is written in an impressive style, and is evi- 
dently the production of a mind and heart thorousrhly imbued with Christian 
knowledge and experience. The operations of the Holy Ghost upon the soul of 
man, are traced with a discrimination which nothing but a personal experionce 
of his influences could have furnished. Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Reli- 
gion in the Soul, is an admirable book on this subject, but Mrs. Stevens's treatise 
deserves an honorable place at its side. Ministers of the Gospel should consult 
the spiritual welfare of their people, by recommending and promoting the cir- 
culation of such works.— Presbyferuin. 



•WORKS PUBLISHED BY KEY 8c BIDDLE. 

A BOOK FOR MOTHERS. 

Aids to Mental Development, or Hints to Parents, being a Sys 
tern of Mental and Moral Instruction exemplified in Conversations 
between a Mother and her Children ; with an Address to Mothers. 
By a Lady of Philadelphia. 

To know how to interest and expand the mind of a child with the lessons of 
wisdom — to impart knowledge in such a manner as at once to gratify and excite 
a thirst for it, is an acquisition possessed by very few ; but it is an acquisition 
indispensable to the right discharge of the duties of a parent. Many must be 
the hours of vacancy, or mischief, and most generally the latter, of the child 
whose parents have not the faculty of alluring him to knowledge and virtue, 
and converting the pains of atiliction into pleasure; and he who contributes 
any thing towards aiding them to discharge the duties devolving on them, 
deserves the gratitude of the public. We have before us a book in this depart- 
ment, entitled Aids to Mental Development, or Hints to Parents ; just from the 
press of Key & Biddle of this city ; l2mo. 335 pp. It is in the form of a familiar 
conversation between a mother and her children ; in a style delightfully natural, 
affectionate, and easy. The topics selected for discussion are those with which 
parents of intelligence and piety would wish to make their children familiar; 
and the manner in which they are discussed is happily adapted to nurture the 
growth of both the intellectual and the moral powers. — Christian Gazette. 

As the subject of education is one of great importance, and is beginning to be 
felt as such, by many who have hitherto bestowed upon it too little considera- 
tion, we cannot doubt that this work will meet with a ready sale, and extensive 
circulation j; and we can sincerely recommend it to the earnest and careful atten- 
tion of all parents who have young children. — Saturday Courier. 

AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF JOHN GALT, ESQ. 

" I will a round unvarnished tale deliver." 

"A work of commanding interest; its every page is an illustration of the 
remark, — that the romance of real life exceeds the romance of fiction. This is 
decidedly the happiest effort Mr. Gait has made." — JVew Monthly Magazine. 

Mr. Gait's book will be read by every class of readers. It is a work full of 
interest and amusement, abounding in anecdotical recollections, and every 
where interspersed with the shrewd and searching observations for which the 
author has been always distinguished. — Saturday Courier. 

To our readers we cheerfully commend the book as amusing and instructive: 
it is full of interesting matter, and as an autobiography will rate with the best 
of the day. — Philadelphia Gazette. 

It is full of striking illustrations of the remarkable character of its author; 
and for the mind disposed to study the individualities of our species, it contains 
much that will reward the investigation.— ComwerciaZ Herald. 

It is no less entertaining and much more useful than any one of his novels. — 
JsTational Gazette. 

It is what it purports to be, " the autobiography of John Gait," and is inter- 
esting as presenting faithful illustrations of the singular character of the author 
— who is justly regarded as one of the best, as well as one of the most volu- 
minous writers of the age. — Boston Mer. Eve. Jour. 

CELEBRATED SPEECHES 

Of Chatham, Burke, and Erskine ; to which is added the Argu- 
ment of Mr. Mackintosh in the case of Peltier. Selected by a 
Member of the Bar. 

Much is gained in richness and energy of expression, and fertility of thought 
by the frequent perusal of the masterpieces of rhetoric. Historical knowledge 
too, is derived from them, vivified by the spirit of debate and indignant exposi- 
tion of wron?. Some of the speeches in this acceptable collection relate to 
American affairs and character— we mean that of Burke on American Taxa- 
tion, and those of Chatham which burst from his soul of fire. The selection is 
judicious, and the book indispensable for the library of every citizen who would 
be a public speaker. — J\rational Gazette. 

"^ 13 



"WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED 

The frequent reading of such selections from such masters, cannot but prove 
advantageous to the young men of this country, where, more than in any other, 
dependence will be placed upon the power of eloquence ; and it is well that 
good models should be furnished to those who are, or seek, thus to sway the 
public mind. Bring along the great truths of the argument in a captivating 
style, and it will soon be found that even the most uninformed will strike into 
the current of the address, and be carried along thereby.— C/^. S. Gazette. 

Among the great men in the intellectual world, who have astonished and 
delighted, charmed and instructed mankind, by the splendor, power, and mag- 
nificence of their oratory, none stand higher than Chatham, Burke, Erskine and 
Mackintosh. The speeches contained in this volume are splendid specimens of 
rich, ornate, powerful, and argumentative oratory, and no one possessing in the 
least degree a love for intellectual grandeur, can read them without feeling his 
heart glow with admiration, and have his soul animated with a zeal for the 
liberty of all mankind.— Penw. Inquirer, 

This volume contains some of the speeches of these great masters of English 
Eloquence, speeches, which, whether we refer to the momentous character of 
their topics, their power of thought and display of learning, or their charms of 
style and graces of diction, will serve as models for public speaking, and sources 
of instruction, political, intellectual and moral, to all future ages. — Charleston 
Courier. 

AN ESSAY ON THE SPIRIT AND INFLUENCE OF 
THE REFORMATION. A work which obtained the prize on the 
following question proposed by the National Institute of France : — 
" What has been the influence of the Reformation by Luther, on 
the political situation of the different states of Europe, and on the 
progress of knowledge ]" By C. Villers, sometime professor of 
philosophy in the University of Gottingen. Translated from the 
French. With an Introductory Essay, by Samuel Miller, D. D. 
Professor in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J. 

The National Institute of France proposed the following as a prize question. 
"What has been the influence of the Reformation, by Luther, on the political 
situation of the different states of Europe, and on the progress of knowledge ?" 
Among the competitors was C. Villers, Professor of Philosophy, in the Univer- 
sity of Gottingen, and to him the prize was adjudged. Villers was not an eccle- 
siastic or sectarian, but a philosopher, and treats the subject in a philosophical 
manner. Those who are interested in tracing the causes that have given direc- 
tion to the course of human events, will be richly rewarded by a perusal of this 
Essay. 

THE CELEBRATED BLUE BOOK. 

A register of all officers and agents, civil, military, and naval, 
in the service of the United States, with the names, force, and con- 
dition of all ships and vessels belonging to the United States, and 
when and where built ; together with a correct list of the Presi- 
dents, Cashiers, and Directors of the United States Bank and its 
Branches, to which is appended the names, and compensation of 
all printers in any way employed by Congress, or any department 
or office of Government. Prepared at the Department of State, 
by William A. Weaver. 

"A Senator in Congress — we believe it was Mr. Leigh of Virginia — pro- 
nounced the said Blue Book — which heretofore, by the by, has been a sealed 
volume to the public at large, and only accessible to members of Congress ; the 
most significant commentary extant on the Constitution of the United States. 
And in one sense it is indeed so: for it exhibits the Executive, or patronage and 
office-dispensing power, in a light that may very well make one tremble for the 
independence of the other branches of the government. As a book of warning, 
therefore, not less than as a book in which much and various information is to 
be found, concerning the practical operation and agents of the government, we 

14 — - 



sir KE7 & BIDDIiE. 



commend this publication to public notice. We do not know that better service 
could be rendered the country than by the transmission to every county town in 
the Union, of some copies of this authentic Record, in order that farmers and 
others might see for themselves the mighty array of Officers, Agents, Post- 
masters, Contracters, &c. &c., which constitute the real standing army of the 
Executive. — JV. Y. American. 

Messrs. Key & Biddle have published an edition of the Blue Book. It should 
be in the hands of every voter in the United States. It is a fearful account of 
executive patronage.— CT^. -S. Gazette. 

AN ADDRESS TO THE YOUNG, by John Foster, author 
of Essays on Decision of Character. 

John Foster is allowed by men of all parties, political and religious, to be one 
of the most original and vigorous thinkers of the age. His well tried talents, 
his known freedom from cant and fanaticism, and the importance of the subject 
discussed, strongly commend this book to the attention of that interesting class 
to whom it is addressed. All his writings are worthy of careful and repeated 
perusal ; but his essay on " Decision of Character" and this " Address to the 
Young," should be the companions of all young persons who are desirous of 
intellectual and moral improvement. — Epis. Recorder, 



PICTURES OF PRIVATE LIFE. 

SECOND SERIES. 

Containing Misanthropy, and The Pains of Pleasing. 

" The aim of the writer is evidently to instruct as w^ell as amuse, by offering 
these admirable sketches as beacons to warn the young, especially of her own 
sex, against errors which have shipwrecked the happiness of so many."— Gen- 
tlemans' Magazine. 

*' These pictures are charming, natural stories of the real living world ; and 
of the kind which we rejoice to see the public beginning to appreciate and 
relish ; they are delineated in simple and often beautiful language, and with a 
powerful moral effect." — TaiVs Magazine. 

" The object of the writer is to profit, as well as to amuse ; to promote the 
love of virtue ; to exhibit the consequences of vice ; and, by a delineation of 
scenes and characters visible in every day life, not only to inculcate what is ex- 
cellent, but to show what is practical."— iiierary Gazette. 

" This beautiful little volume can scarcely be perused without affecting and 
improving the head and the heart ; and to young ladies particularly, would we 
most earnestly recommend it." — Scots Times. 

"We have great pleasure in directing the attention of our readers to this very 
interesting volume. It is written in a style which cannot fail to entertain, and 
insure the anxious attention of all who peruse its pages, while the moral senti- 
ments conveyed must recommend it to those who wish to combine instruction 
with amusement. The work is also embellished with a most beautiful frontis- 
piece portrait of the heroine of one of the tales, which is itself worth the price 
of the volume." — Cambridge Chronicle. 

THE BACHELOR RECLAIMED, OR CELIBACY VAN- 
QUISHED, from the French, by Timothy Flint. 

It is a good lesson for those who are not married, and who deserve to be, for 
we do not hold that every bachelor deserves a wife. Things of this kind (wives 
we mean) are meted out by Providence with an eye to reward and punishment ; 
and a man may stand on such neutral ground in more ways than one, that a 
wife for either of the above providential ends, would be entirely out of the 
question ; but on either side of the line, there are some : and while men will 
sin, or must be virtuous, there will be marrying; and if a man has any regard 
for his character, he will look to his standing in this manner, and read this book 
of Mr. Flint's translation.— C/^. 5'. Gazette. 

The main incidents are connected with the history of an inveterate bachelor 
—the worthy president of a Bachelor's Club— who despite of himself falls in 
love, against his principles, marries, and contrary to expectation is happy. This 



15 



-WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED 



great revolution in sentiment is accomplished by the power of female charms, 
by an exhibition of the loveliness of female character, and by the force of rea- 
son — at least such are the conclusions of the author. — Philad. Oaz. 

It is, of course, a love story, and such an one as could only emanate from a 
French writer— light, entertaining, and with an excellent moral. An inveterate 
bachelor is reclaimed — his hatred towards the female sex is changed into ad- 
miration, and eventually he marries. This great revolution in sentiment is ac- 
complished by the force of female charms— by an exhibition of the loveliness of 
the female character. The book should be read not only by bachelors, but by un- 
married ladies— they may derive instruction from its ^Siges.— Saturday Ev. Post. 

BEAUTIES OF ROBERT HALL. 

If Robert Hall wrote comparatively little, what he did write bears the impress 
of genius, united with piety. He was a luminary of the first order, and it is 
delightful to feel the influence of his beams. To those who cannot obtain his 
whole works, we recommend this choice selection, which certainly contains 
many beauties. — Episcopal Recorder. 

The " Beauties of Robert Hall," which have just been published by Key & Bid- 
die, contain selections from his various writing. They are beautiful specimens 
of chastened and pure composition, and are rich in sentiment and principle. 
These extracts contain much useful matter for reflection and meditatien, and 
may be perused by the old and the young, the grave and the gay, the learned 
and the illiterate, with advantage. We have rarely seen in so small a space so 
much powerful thought as is exhibited in this little volume. — Boston Ev. Oaz. 

SKETCHES BY MRS. SIGOURNEY. 
Comprising" six tales. The Father — Legend of Oxford — The 
Family Portrait — Oriana — The Intemperate, and the Patriarch. 

It is the high prerogative of women to win to virtue— it is the praise of Mrs. 
Sigourney, that her prerogative has been exercised far beyond the domestic cir- 
cle. The influences of her mind have been felt and acknowledged wherever 
English Literature finds a welcome. These Sketches have been sought after 
with avidity, by those who would profit by the most delightful means of im- 
provement. — U. S. Gazette. 

Mrs. Sigourney has a moral object in each of her interesting fictions, which 
she pursues with constant attention and effect. — JVational Gazette. 

The Tales and Sketches need no recommendation as the talents of the au- 
thoress, in this branch of literature, are well and favourably known— they will 
be read with great interest. — Saturday Ev. Post. 

The Sketches before us are worthy of the enticing form in which they appear 
— Mrs. Sigourney is a writer of great purity, taste and power ; she seldom exag- 
gerates incidents : is simple and unambitious in her diction ; and possesses that 
magical, influence, — which fixes the attention, even in a recital of ordinary 
events. Her sentiments are touching and true, because they spring from the 
holy source of an unhackneyed heart. They will add a virtuous strength to the 
heart of every reader, as well as be an ornament to the library of the owner. — 
Commercial Intelligencer. 

To parents the work particularly commends itself, and has only to be known 
to be eagerly patronised. Young Ladies may learn a valuable lesson from the 
story of the "Family Portrait;" one which they will not be likely soon to forget. 
— Poulson's Daily .Advertiser. 

This is a beautiful volume in every respect— the style of its execution, its en- 
graving which teaches with the force of truth, and its contents, are alike excel- 
lent. The graceful simplicity, good taste, classic imagery and devotional spirit, 
which distinguish Mrs. Sigourney's poetry, are happily blended and presented in 
living forms in the prosaic " Sketches" before us. In this department of letters, 
as in poetry, she will be read with interest and delight, be introduced by Chris- 
tian parents to their children as an accomplished guide and teacher, and receive 
the well merited commendation of thousands. — Southern Religious Telegraph. 

FRANCIS BERRIAN, OR THE MEXICAN PATRIOT, by 
Timothy Flint, Esq. 
This is an all absorbing novel, we think Mr. Flint's best.— JV. Y. .American. 

IS 



BY KEY &. BIDDIiE. 

THE YOUNG MAN'S SUNDAY BOOK: 

A practical manual of the christian duties of piety, benevolence 
and self government ; prepared with particular reference to the 
formation of the manly character on the basis of religious principle, 
by the author of the Young Man's own Book. 

This is one of those useful little volumes that will find its way through the 
world, pleasing and doing good wherever it may go. It professes to be a 'Manual 
of the Cluistian duties of piety, benevolence, and self government, prepared with 
reference to the formation of a manly character on the basis of religious princi- 
ple.' It disclaims all sectarian views, or the desire to make proselytes for any 
I)arty ; desiring but to diffuse something of the spirit and practice of Christianity 
among the rising generation, and to establish as widely as possible those princi- 
ples of virtue and goodness which all men profess to respect. — Penn. Inquirer. 

It is a summary of moral and religious duties, and is full of useful precepts and 
excellent admonitions. — Christian Gazette. 

We have not read it entire— but the evangelical sentiments and ability 
evinced in parts of it which we have examined, commend it to public favour and 
especially to the attention of young men, to whom it may be a useful and valua- 
ble counsellor. It contains in a series of essays of moderate length, a summary 
of Christian duty rather than doctrine, drawn from the writings of those whose 
names command respect throughout the Christian world. Its design is noble — it 
is to establish young men in the observance of those grand principles of virtue 
and goodness, which the holy Scriptures enforce with the sanctions of God's 
authority, and which all men, the profane as well as the pious, respect. — Southern 
Religious Telegraph. 

The Youug Man's Sunday Book is a Practical Manual of the Christian duties 
of Piety, Benevolence, and Self-government, prepared with particular reference 
to the formation of the manly character on the basis of Religious Principle. It 
professes to be a Summary of duty, rather than of doctrine. Its articles are 
generally short, and have been drawn from the writings of men whose names 
command respect throughout the Christian world. It is admirably suited both 
in its character and form (being a small pocket volume of 3U0 pages) for a pre- 
sent to one just verging to manhood, whether a friend, an apprentice, or a son : 
and such a book as is likely to be, not only looked at, but looked into: and that, 
not only on Sunday, but daily ; till its contents become familiar.— CAr. Spectator. 

A book that should be possessed by every young man. It is a sequel to the 
Young Man's Own Book.— Saturday Ev. Post. 

FOLCHETTO MALA SPINA, an historical Romance of the 
twelfth century, by the author of " Libilla Odaletta," and trans- 
lated from the Italian by Daniel J. Desmond, Esq. 

The story is one of deep interest, and the translator has allowed nothing 
thereof to escape ; of the fidelity of the work we cannot speak, having no access 
to the original ; but as a novel, whether original or translated, the work is 
good. — U. S. Gazette. 

It is emphatically a fanciful and engaging work, and no one can sit down to 
its perusal without being chained by its magical influence, to an attention, 
which will be kept actively alive until the last chapter. In this there is no 
exaggeration,— it is a novel to make the reader feel, — to have his curiosity and 
sensibilities awakened, — and to produce upon the heart those striking impres- 
sions, which can only be excited by nature when portrayed by the enchanting 
descriptions of a master. The scenes, the characters, thedialogues, and the in- 
cidents, are so graphically sketched, and forcibly delineated, that we are com- 
pelled to admit that the production is of a more than ordinary character. 

Our space will not admit of pointing out particular beauties, or interesting 
passages; to the work itselt we must refer our readers for a rich intellectual 
banquet, which is only to be obtained by its perusal. 

In dismissing this production, we remark that it is beautifally got up, and will 
form a graceful ornament to the most classical library. — Penn. Inquirer. 

From parts which we have read, of Mr. Desmond's translation, we have drawn 
a very favourable inference concerning the execution of the whole; and we 
know that Malaspina's pages are held in high estimation by competent European 
and American critics. We have noted in the Paris Revue Encyclop^dique, a 
strong encomium on the works of this Italian novelist. — J^ational Gazette. 



-WORKS PUBLISHED BY KEY & BIDDLE. 



TODD'S JOHNSON'S DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH 
IjANGUAGE. To which is added a copious Vocabulary of Greek, 
Latin, and Scriptural proper names, divided into syllables, and 
accented for pronunciation. By Thomas Rees, L. L. D., E. R. S. A. 
The above Dictionary v^ill make a beautiful pocket volume, same 
size of Young Man's Own Book, illustrated by a likeness of John- 
son and Walker. 

The editor states that " in compiling the work he has endeavoured to furnish 
such an epitome of Mr. Todd's enlarged and valuable edition of Dr. Johnson's 
Dictionary, as would enable the generality of persons to understand the most 
approved American and English authors, and to write and speak the language 
with propriety and elegance. The most correct definitions have been given in a 
condensed form, and especial care has been taken to indicate the classical and 
fashionable pronunciation of every word." The style of printing is really very 
handsome ; and the embellishments, consisting of an engraving of Johnson and 
another of Walker, enhance the value of the edition. It is neatly bound and 
would be an ornament to the study of any young lady or gentleman, while the 
traveller, on his summer tour, would find it an appropriate companion for his 
guide book and Stage Register.— fios^on Traveller. 

TiVis really beautiful and useful little work should be possessed by all who 
wish to spell and write the English language correctly. The publishers have 
rendered it so attractive in its appearance as to be an ornament to the parlour 
centre table. It will add very little weight to the trunk of the traveller, and 
will often relieve him from painful embarrassment. — U. S. Gazette. 

This is the age of improvement. The simple elements of education so long 
lying in forbidding print and binding, are now appearing as they ought, in the 
finest type and most beautiful and ornamental form. The Pocket Dictionary 
published by Key and Biddle deserves to be commended to the public generally, 
not only for the beauty of its execution, but for the intrinsic merit it possesses.— 
Charleston Courier. 

This beautiful little Dictionary should be the companion of every young lady 
and gentleman when reading or writing, whether at home or abroad. — JV. Y. 
Commercial Advertiser. 

THE MORAL TESTAMENT OF MAN. 

Key & Biddle have just issued under this title, a beautiful little volume made 
up of the sayings of the wise and good, in olden and modern times. These 
apothegms are all upon most interesting subjects, each one carrying with it a 
wholesome as well as a most agreeable influence. This little volume is to the 
mind and heart what a flower-garden is to the eye and nose. It delights and 
regales. — Commercial Herald. 

Good taste, judgment, and a love of doing good, must have influenced and 
directed the industrious compiler. This little selection of precious thoughts 
has been printed and bound in a style suited to the worth of the contents- 
apples of gold in pictures of silver.— U. S. Gazette. 

MRS. SOMERVILLE'S CONNEXION OF THE PHYSICAL 
SCIENCES. 

The style of this astonishing production is so clear and unaffected, and con- 
veys with so much simplicity so great a mass of profound knowledge, that it 
should be placed in the hands of every youth, the moment he has mastered the 
general rudiments of education. — (Quarterly Review. 

OBSERVATIONS ON THE CHARACTER AND CUL- 
TURE OF THE EUROPEAN VINE, during a residence of 
five years in the vine-growing districts of France, Italy, and Swit- 
zerland, by S. I. Fisher, to which is added, the Manual of Swiss 
Vigneron, as adopted and recommended by the Agricultural Socie- 
ties of Geneva and Berne, by Mons. Bruin Chappius, to which is 
superadded, the art of wine making, by Mr. Bulos, member of the 
Institute of France. 

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